A diabetic ulcer is a breakdown of the skin on an area of the foot. An ulcer can develop quickly and may be painful and difficult to heal and infection is a common complication. It is important to have an x-ray to determine whether there is any bone involvement when an ulcer is present.
Causes: - Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus
- Vascular insufficiency
- Lack of sensation
- Ill-fitting shoes
- Trauma
- Heredity
What can you do? - Consult a podiatrist immediately
- Alert the doctor's office that you are a diabetic with a foot sore.
NOTE: Self-treatment is not recommended for this serious condition. What might a podiatrist do? - Perform a physical examination
- Take an x-ray
- Perform debridement and wound care
- Conduct laboratory tests
Initiate a total medical team approach, which may include your family doctor, endocrinologist, internist, vascular surgeon and infectious disease specialist.
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