Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Diabetic foot ulcers are one of the most serious complications we manage at Emerald Hill Podiatry, precisely because they can progress quickly and quietly in patients who have reduced sensation in their feet. Early detection and consistent wound care make an enormous difference to outcomes, which is why our podiatrists combine regular screening with hands-on treatment for patients managing diabetes.
What Is a Diabetic Foot Ulcer?
A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore or wound that develops on the foot, most commonly on the sole, heel, or over a bony prominence, in people with diabetes. It typically begins as a small area of skin breakdown, often from minor, unnoticed trauma such as pressure from footwear, a small cut, or a blister, but progresses more readily and heals more slowly than a similar wound would in someone without diabetes. Left unmanaged, a diabetic foot ulcer can deepen, become infected, and in severe cases threaten the affected limb.
Why Diabetes Slows Healing
Diabetes affects the feet in several ways that make ulcers both more likely to form and harder to heal:
- Peripheral neuropathy — reduced sensation in the feet means minor injuries, blisters, or areas of excess pressure often go unnoticed until they've already broken the skin
- Poor circulation — reduced blood flow to the feet slows the delivery of oxygen and nutrients needed for wound healing
- Impaired immune response — elevated blood sugar can weaken the body's ability to fight off infection once a wound is present
- Structural foot changes — nerve damage can alter foot shape and gait over time, creating new pressure points prone to breakdown
Together, these factors mean a wound that would heal quickly in most people can persist for weeks or months in someone with diabetes, and can worsen rapidly if not properly managed.
The Danger of Diabetic Foot Ulcer
Diabetic foot ulcers are considered a serious medical concern because of how easily they can progress to deeper tissue and bone infection without causing significant pain, due to the reduced sensation that often accompanies diabetes. An infected ulcer that isn’t caught and treated early can lead to more serious complications, including hospitalisation or, in severe cases, amputation of the affected toe, foot, or limb.
This is why regular foot checks and prompt attention to any wound, however minor it may seem, are such a critical part of diabetes management.
When to See a Podiatrist
If you have diabetes, see a podiatrist:
As soon as any wound, sore, or blister appears on your foot, however small
If an existing wound shows signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, swelling, or discharge
Regularly for diabetic foot screening, even without an active wound, to catch developing risk areas early
If you've noticed reduced sensation in your feet and haven't yet had this assessed
Get Your Foot Properly Assessed
Protecting the Diabetic Foot With Wound Care
Treatment focuses on healing the wound, managing infection risk, and reducing pressure on the affected area to prevent recurrence.
Options include:
- Wound Debridement — removal of dead or infected tissue from the wound to promote healthy healing
- Offloading and Custom Orthotics — redistributes pressure away from the ulcer site to allow it to heal and prevents new pressure points from developing
- Infection Management — monitoring for and addressing any signs of infection promptly, coordinating with other healthcare providers where needed
- Diabetic Foot Screening and Education — regular assessment of circulation, sensation, and skin integrity, alongside practical guidance on daily foot checks and preventive care
What to Expect at Your Assessment
Your podiatrist examines the wound, assesses circulation and sensation in the foot, and determines the appropriate level of care based on the depth and severity of the ulcer. For patients with diabetes, ongoing screening between wounds is just as important as treating an active ulcer, since it’s the earliest opportunity to catch problems before they progress.
