How to Identify If You Have the Signs of a Diabetic Foot Ulcer?

 Summary: Foot ulcers are quite common and it’s important for patients and their caregivers to understand how to identify these wounds so that they can prevent them from getting worse. 

Foot ulcers are one of the most serious and common complications of diabetes. Most people who have diabetes develop foot ulcers in their lifetime as they are more at risk for foot injuries. Over time, your blood vessels and nerves can become damaged and this can cause loss of feeling in your feet, diabetic neuropathy or nerve damage can cause a lot of issues as you won’t be able to feel if you get a cut, a scrape, or an injury and this can lead to your injury worsening and developing into an ulcer. Besides taking care of your blood sugar and maintaining your feet as well as checking them, it is important to know some common foot ulcer symptoms and signs so that you know what to look for when undergoing diabetic foot ulcer treatment. 

• Body fever, chills, and pain

Like most infections, the first signs you will be able to notice when you get a foot ulcer is you’ll be feeling feverish and get chills. This is your body’s natural defense against the ulcer. While checking areas of your feet, you may notice that some areas may feel swollen, painful, and tender, or even firm to the touch, this can be a sign of a possible foot infection and something you need to know before getting diabetic foot care. 

• Unusual swelling

In addition to pain around the infected area, you may also notice redness, irritation, swelling, and also thick skin or calluses. This can be a foot ulcer and you need to call and make an appointment with your podiatrist so that you can get the diabetic foot treatment you require immediately. 

• Drainage and discoloration

This is one of the most noticeable signs of a foot ulcer. Black tissue will often appear around a wound as it is not getting enough blood supply. Another reason for discoloration is gangrene which can happen when the skin tissue dies due to high infection – if you notice any changes in skin color like pale to blue, purple, red, black depending on your wound then you need to see a doctor immediately for diabetic foot care treatment. If you have a foot ulcer and you see discharge seeping out from the wound, staining your socks, and having a weird odor then immediately get in touch with your doctor.

The Bottom Line

If you feel that you have a foot ulcer or if you have diabetes then it’s better to see your doctor a couple of times a year to ensure that your vital signs are good and your feet are healthy. Ensure that you take care of your feet, check them daily, and even ask your doctor what to do when it comes to foot ulcers. 

Resource box: Podiatry Associates manages and treats all diabetic conditions as well as complications that arise from them like amputations, infections, and diabetic ulcers.