FOOT ULCERS

An ulcer is where an area of skin has broken down and you can see the underlying tissue. Most foot ulcers are located on the side or bottom of the foot, the back of the heel, or on the top or tip of a toes. The ulcer may or may not be surrounded by a border of thickened, calloused skin. The skin normally heals quickly if it is cut; however, in some people with diabetes, blood flow to the skin of the feet is significantly impaired, reducing its ability to heal properly and therefore it is prone to developing an ulcer.

Ulceration can develop even after a mild injury such as stepping on a small stone with your bare feet. How long a foot ulcer takes to heal depends on a number of factors including the depth of the ulcer, the amount and quality of blood flow to the ulcer, presence of infection, and sufficient protection from further rubbing or pressure.

Podiatrists are specially trained in the management of foot ulcers. They are skilled in the procedure of debridement which consists of trimming away diseased tissue and any surrounding thickened skin which can prolong the healing process. After debridement and treatment, specialised wound dressing are applied and pressure is directed away from the ulcerated area through deflective padding and/or shoe modifications.

Your podiatrist will need to see the ulcer frequently to examine and debride the area. Care of a foot ulcer can require multiple visits over weeks or months. The visits will last for as long as it takes for your ulcer to heal completely.

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