• A serious foot problem typically associated with people with diabetes and circulatory problems

• A breakdown of the skin tissue with impeded healing

• Skin ulcers can lead to toe, foot, and whole leg amputations if a bone infection or gangrene sets in; in certain cases where the condition is neglected and prompt proper treatment is not sought, this can even result in death

What causes it?

• Ulcers are typically caused by excessive friction or pressure and cuts or scrapes to the foot that do not heal. People with neuropathy often cut or injure their feet unknowingly because of the lost sensation, and this can lead to an ulcer because often it injury goes on undetected. Corns, callus, blisters and other signs of abnormal friction and pressure on the foot may eventually lead to an ulcer
• Neuropathy can lead to secondary conditions such as bunions, hammer toes, and Charcot foot (collapse of the Charcot joint in the middle of the foot)
• Soaking feet or use of moisturizer between the toes can lead to skin breakdown that can cause an ulcer; foot powder has the same effect since it traps moisture, and should also be avoided

Signs and Symptoms

• Ulcers may begin as a blister, discolouration, bruise, cut, or sore that does not begin to heal within two days

Prevention and Treatments

• Prevention is the best medicine; regular foot care and foot health check ups with your Chiropodist are important to help prevent foot complications such as ulcers from diabetes and other conditions
• Always wear shoes or footwear inside and outside of the house; avoid walking barefoot or wearing open back/open toed sandals
• Inspect feet daily for signs of infected nails, discolouration, callus and corns, and for blisters, bruising, cuts, or sores that do not start to heal in two days; have someone help you or use a mirror to do this
• Use of a high-quality moisturizer daily but never between your toes; your Chiropodist can recommend lotions available at your local drug store or provide moisturizers specifically created for this purpose
• Prescription custom orthotics to help cushion and adjust for any structural foot problems that may be causing potentially harmful pressure or friction points
• Special padding to offload specific problem areas of the foot, as well as pads, shields, and splints to protect and cushion
• Possibly prescription custom footwear
• In cases where ulcers develop, specialized wound care incorporating surgical debridement (scalpel reduction of dead tissue to promote healing) of the tissue and wound dressing is often effective in preventing further degeneration of the skin and promoting healing. Chiropodists receive intensive training in diabetic wound care and are often found at the lead of their field in this area. Click here for before and after photographs of ulcer treatment.

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