Living with diabetes means paying close attention to many aspects of your health, and your feet should be near the top of that list. One of the most serious complications people with diabetes can face is the development of diabetic foot ulcers. These wounds may begin as something small, such as a blister or minor cut, but without proper care they can become difficult to heal and lead to serious infection
The good news is that many diabetic foot ulcers are preventable and when caught early they can often be treated successfully. At Family Care Foot Clinic, we believe education and proactive care are the keys to keeping you healthy, mobile and confident on your feet.
What Is a Diabetic Foot Ulcer?
A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore or wound that most commonly forms on the bottom of the foot, heel, or toes. They often develop because diabetes can affect both circulation and nerve health.
When there is poor circulation it can slow down the healing, while nerve damage (known as diabetic neuropathy) can reduce feeling in the feet. This means a person may not notice pain from a cut, blister, pressure point, or irritation until it has already worsened. Without treatment, ulcers can deepen, become infected, and create more serious complications. So make sure your checking the bottom of your feet regularly.
Why People with Diabetes Are at Higher Risk
Several factors can increase the chance of developing a foot ulcer:
- Reduced sensation in the feet
- Poor blood flow
- Dry, cracked skin
- Foot deformities such as bunions or hammertoes
- Improper footwear causing friction or pressure
- High blood sugar levels that slow healing
- Previous ulcers or infections
Even a small issue can progress quickly when the body’s healing response is compromised.
How to Prevent Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Preventing ulcers starts with simple daily habits and regular professional care.
- Inspect your feet everyday you should look for:
- Redness
- Blisters
- Cuts of scratches
- Swealing
- Cracks in the skin
- Drainage or unusual spots
If you have trouble seeing the bottoms of your feet, use a mirror or ask for help.
- Wash and moisturize Carefully
Wash your feet daily with warm (not hot) water and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes. Apply moisturizer to prevent cracking, but avoid putting lotion between the toes where excess moisture can lead to fungal infections.
- Wear Proper Clothing
Shoes should fit comfortably with no rubbing or tight pressure points. Supportive diabetic-friendly footwear and custom orthotics may help reduce stress on vulnerable areas.
- Never Walk Barefoot
Even indoors, walking barefoot increases the risk of stepping on something sharp or causing unnoticed injury.
- Keep Blood Sugar Well Managed
Stable blood sugar levels support circulation, nerve health, and the body’s ability to heal.
- Schedule Regular Foot Exams
Routine visits with a foot care professional can catch problems early, often before they become serious.
Signs a Foot Ulcer May Be Developing
Seek care right away if you notice:
- A sore that is not healing
- Drainage on socks or bandages
- Redness around a wound
- Swelling
- Warmth in one area of the foot
- Odour from a wound
- Darkened skin
- Increasing pain (if sensation is still present)
Early treatment can make a major difference.
How Diabetic Foot Ulcers Are Treated
Treatment depends on the size, depth, and overall condition of the wound, but the goal is always the same: promote healing, prevent infection, and protect the foot from further damage. Care often begins with gently cleaning the ulcer and removing dead or damaged tissue to help healthy skin recover more effectively.
Reducing pressure on the area is also an important part of treatment. This may involve specialized footwear, padding, walking boots, or custom orthotics designed to keep weight off the wound while it heals.
If infection is present, antibiotics or more advanced wound care may be needed. Dressings are typically used to protect the ulcer, manage moisture levels, and create the best possible healing environment.
Because diabetes can affect circulation and slow recovery, managing blood sugar levels and supporting overall health are also key parts of treatment. Regular follow-up appointments allow the wound to be monitored closely, adjustments to care can be made, and any complications can be addressed early.
