Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Up to 15% of people with diabetes develop diabetic foot ulcers. These are slow-healing, open wounds that increase the risk of infection. At Frankford Podiatry Associates, PC, with three offices in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the board-certified podiatrists and foot and ankle surgeons specialize in diagnosing and treating diabetic foot ulcers with effective, minimally invasive measures. Call Frankford Podiatry Associates, PC, today to schedule diabetic foot ulcer treatment, or book your appointment online.

I have an open sore on my toe. Is it a diabetic foot ulcer?

Diabetic foot ulcers are open wounds caused by poor circulation. Diabetes affects blood flow to your lower extremities. This damages the nerves in your feet and toes, making it difficult to notice if you’ve been cut or otherwise injured. Without treatment, these minor wounds grow larger, increasing the risk of infection and gangrene.

If you have diabetes and notice a wound on your toe, foot, or ankle, immediately contact Frankford Podiatry Associates, PC. Even if the injury appears minor, it’s bound to get worse without prompt treatment.

What are the symptoms of diabetic foot ulcers?

Diabetic foot ulcer symptoms include:

• Dry, cracked skin
• Skin discoloration
• Hair loss
• Rashes
• Redness
• Scaly skin

The wound could ooze blood or pus and have a foul odor if infected.

How are diabetic foot ulcers diagnosed?

Your Frankford Podiatry Associates, PC, provider reviews your medical records and asks about the type of diabetes you have and how well you take care of it. They complete a foot and ankle exam, assessing the ulcer’s appearance, size, and placement.

Your provider looks at the ulcer’s borders and your surrounding skin to determine how severe it is. They collect a biopsy (skin sample) and send it to a lab for testing. Then, they order X-rays to determine how far the ulcer extends into your skin and if the surrounding bone is infected.

After gathering the necessary information, they make personalized treatment recommendations.

How are diabetic foot ulcers treated?

The Frankford Podiatry Associates, PC, team treats diabetic foot ulcers using a conservative, patient-centered approach. They could suggest:

• Topical wound care
• Removing dead or infected skin and tissue (debridement)
• Oral or intravenous (IV) antibiotics
• Antiplatelet or anticlotting medications
• Compression clothes
• Draining the ulcer
• Removing pressure from the area with a cast or a splint
• Elevating your foot

If you’ve suffered severe skin damage that won’t heal on its own, your provider could suggest reconstructive surgery with skin grafts. The team uses minimally invasive surgery whenever possible, which involves smaller scars and shorter hospital stays, letting you recover quicker.

Call Frankford Podiatry Associates, PC, today to schedule treatment for diabetic foot ulcers, or book your appointment online.