Patient education brochure

WHAT is a diabetic foot ulcer?

Diabetic foot ulcers are serious.Two out of three amputations in the United States happen because of diabetic foot ulcers. Three out of four people who have one of their legs amputated die in 5 years. This is a higher rate of death compared to most cancers.

A diabetic foot ulcer is a wound or opening in the skin anywhere on the foot (including toes) of a person with diabetes mellitus (that is, with too much sugar in the blood)

WHAT causes a diabetic foot ulcer?

HOW do I care for my diabetic foot ulcer?

Diabetic foot ulcers need special care and treatment to prevent infection and to help them heal.

Follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for wound care which may include:

Cleaning the wound
Applying medicine or other treatment to the wound and the surrounding skin
Covering the wound
Wearing offloading shoes, boots, or a leg cast that takes pressure off the foot and/or toes

WHAT is “offloading” and WHY do I need it?

Offloading is the use of special footwear, a boot, or a cast (offloading device) to relieve pressure from the diabetic foot ulcer during walking.

If your health care provider suggests that you “offload”, this means you should not walk on the affected limb without a good offloading device.

WHAT can happen if my diabetic foot ulcer is left untreated?

Patients with diabetes can have decreased blood flow to the feet and toes (poor circulation) due to disease in their arteries which can cause slow healing and increase the risk of infection.

Infections are a serious complication of diabetic foot ulcers and can lead to bone infections, body infections, and amputation of one or more toes, part of the foot, and/or the leg.

Amputation is the surgical removal of all or part of a limb or extremity. It is a serious surgical procedure that in some cases may be the best way to control a severe, life-threatening infection.

WHEN should I contact my healthcare provider?

Don’t wait or hesitate: Contact your healthcare provider at the first sign of blistering, opening in the skin, or signs of infection.

Signs of infection include:

Fevers, chills, nausea, or vomiting
Unusual increase in blood sugar level
Increased pain that does not go away
Redness in and around the wound
Foot/toes are warm to touch
Swelling in the leg, foot, or toes
Increased or unusual wound drainage or odor

HOW can I prevent a DFU?

Inspect your feet daily: Look between toes and use a mirror to see the bottom of the feet. Look for red spots, cracks, blisters, calluses, or other changes.
Inspect your footwear daily: Inspect your shoes for objects such as small pebbles, and inspect socks for holes.
Protect your feet from injury: Wear properly fitting shoes made for people with diabetes, as well as socks that keep the feet dry.
Take care of your feet: Wash your feet with soap and water. Dry the feet and between the toes completely after bathing. Apply moisturizer to dry skin as directed, but avoid applying it between the toes
Care for calluses: Callus removal products and pumice stones may assist with callus management. Speak to your health care provider on the best care for your condition.
Live a healthy lifestyle and see your primary care physician or podiatrist for yearly foot evaluation: Manage your diabetes by taking medicines as prescribed, eating a well-balanced diet, quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight to reduce your risk of developing a foot ulcer.

Don't

Go without protective footwear: Do NOT walk around barefoot or wear socks or thin slippers indoors or outdoors.
Soak your feet: Soaking your feet can dry out the skin, and hot water may burn your feet without you knowing it.
Remove or trim ingrown toenails or thick toenails: See a health care provider for management of these conditions.

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This material is for informational purposes only. It does not replace the advice of a doctor or health care professional. WoundReference makes every effort to provide information that is accurate and timely, but makes no guarantee in this regard.

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