Signs You May Have a Diabetic Foot Ulcer

Some diabetic patients notice numbness or poor blood circulation in their foot; thus, blisters and sores remain undetected. Sometimes, these sores or ulcers can become infectious when left undetected and untreated. Treating the ulcers by consulting a doctor to avoid severe conditions is necessary.

What is a diabetic foot ulcer?

Diabetes is a result of the inefficiency of insulin, increasing glucose levels. An increase in blood glucose can damage the nerves of your feet, thus affecting blood circulation. Foot ulcers are formed when the skin tissues break down and expose the underneath layers. These ulcers are generally located beneath the toes and balls of the feet.

Signs and symptoms of diabetic foot ulcer

There are many visible signs and symptoms of diabetic foot ulcer, including:

• Drainage from the foot: If you observe any unusual smelly drainage from the foot that leaks into your footwear, it is an early sign of a foot ulcer.
• Gangrene: The infections in diabetic foot ulcers can lead to the formation of dead tissues. These dead tissues are termed gangrene.
• Change in skin colour: As a result of infection, dead tissues turn your skin black. This region indicates foot ulcers. This could also be caused due to absence of proper blood circulation around the ulcer.
• Tingling sensation in foot and loss of impulse like sensitivity to different temperatures.
• Discharge of pus
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Irritation

Wagner Ulcer Classification System has a scale to identify the severity of diabetic foot ulcers:

Scale 0 - No lesions

Scale 1 - Superficial ulcers on the surface of the foot

Scale 2 - Deep ulcers that can reach joints, bones or tendons

Scale 3 - Deeper ulcers in tissues with abscess and leading to osteomyelitis

Scale 4 - Gangrene in the foot - Partial or complete

Scale 5 - Gangrene expanding to the entire foot

Diagnosis of diabetic foot ulcers

There are various ways to identify the seriousness of diabetic foot ulcer:

• Physical examination of the foot
• Checking blood glucose level
• X-ray or MRI scan

Causes of diabetic foot ulcer

Diabetic foot ulcers are common in diabetic patients, majorly due to an increase in blood glucose levels. The main causes of diabetic foot ulcers are:

• Hyperglycemia: It is also termed a high blood glucose level. People with Type II diabetes have weaker immune systems; thus, fighting against infections due to ulcers is not easy.
• Peripheral artery disease: This disease reduces the efficacy of blood circulation in your feet due to narrowing or blockage of arteries. As a result of poor blood circulation, ulcers heal very slowly.
• Neuropathy: The nerve damage gives a tingly feeling and reduces the pain sensitivity. Due to this, an individual cannot feel the pain due to the ulcers.
• Wounds in feet: When the wound remains undetected and untreated, it can become infectious.

When to see a doctor for diabetic foot

On noticing swelling or sores in the foot or a change in skin colour, you must see a doctor and get professional medical help.

Risk factors of diabetic foot

There are various factors increasing the risk of diabetic foot ulcers, like

• Alcohol and tobacco consumption
• Poor foot hygiene
• Ill-fitted footwear
• Improper shape or toenails
• Diseases related to kidney or heart
• Age-Old people have more risk of suffering from foot ulcers than younger diabetic patients
• High blood pressure

Remedies for diabetic foot

While you walk, your foot exerts pressure on the ground, worsening the infection. You must protect your feet with casts, compression wraps, shoe inserts, and foot braces. The surgeon can remove the dead skin that resulted in a foot ulcer.

Conclusion

A diabetic foot ulcer is a condition that cannot be controlled or prevented by insulin treatment or diet. So, it is necessary to identify the symptoms early to get medical help to treat ulcers to avoid spreading the infection to the deeper tissues.

If you have any queries about the procedure or any complications regarding the same, contact a doctor to get professional medical advice.

Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals. Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment.