Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Causes, Risks, And Treatment Options

For people living with diabetes, the feet often become one of the most vulnerable parts of the body. One of the most serious complications is the development of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs)—open sores or wounds that form, usually on the bottom of the foot. According to the American Diabetes Association, as many as 15% of people with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer at some point in their lives, and of those, nearly 1 in 5 may require an amputation if the ulcer does not heal properly.

The good news is that with early detection, specialized wound care, and consistent monitoring, diabetic foot ulcers can be treated effectively—and in most cases, amputations are preventable. Below, our friends from Dynamic Health Solutions explore the causes, risks, and treatment options for diabetic foot ulcers, and why timely care is critical.

What Are Diabetic Foot Ulcers?

A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore or wound that develops as a result of poor circulation, nerve damage (neuropathy), and a reduced ability to fight infection. These ulcers are most commonly found on the soles of the feet, where pressure and friction are highest.

Unlike typical wounds, diabetic ulcers are particularly dangerous because patients may not feel them due to nerve damage, allowing the wound to worsen unnoticed.

Causes Of Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Several factors contribute to the development of DFUs:

  1. Neuropathy
    Diabetes damages the nerves, especially in the feet, reducing the ability to feel pain, heat, or injury. As a result, patients may not notice cuts, blisters, or sores until they become severe.
  2. Poor Circulation
    Diabetes also affects blood flow, making it harder for wounds to receive the oxygen and nutrients they need to heal.
  3. Foot Deformities and Pressure Points
    Bunions, hammertoes, or ill-fitting shoes create areas of pressure that can break down skin.
  4. High Blood Sugar Levels
    Elevated glucose impairs the immune system, slows healing, and increases the risk of infection.

Risks Of Ignoring Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Delaying treatment or underestimating the seriousness of a diabetic foot ulcer can lead to devastating consequences, including:

  • Infections: Open ulcers can quickly become infected, spreading to deeper tissues or bone.
  • Gangrene: Prolonged lack of blood flow may cause tissue death.
  • Amputations: DFUs are the leading cause of non-traumatic lower-limb amputations in the U.S.
  • Hospital Readmissions: Chronic ulcers are a major reason diabetic patients are hospitalized repeatedly.

The longer an ulcer is untreated, the higher the risk of complications.

Treatment Options For Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Effective treatment focuses on both the wound itself and the underlying factors that prevent healing. Common strategies include:

  1. Debridement
    Removal of dead or infected tissue promotes healing and reduces the risk of infection.
  2. Infection Control
    Antibiotics (oral or topical) and antimicrobial dressings are used to combat bacteria.
  3. Offloading
    Specialized footwear, casts, or braces help redistribute pressure away from the ulcer to allow healing.
  4. Advanced Dressings and Therapies
    Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), bioengineered skin substitutes, or growth factor treatments may be used for difficult-to-heal ulcers.
  5. Blood Sugar Management
    Keeping glucose levels under control is essential for faster healing and lower infection risk.
  6. Circulatory Support
    Collaboration with vascular specialists may be necessary to restore blood flow in severe cases.

Prevention Strategies For Patients With Diabetes

Preventing diabetic foot ulcers is always better than treating them. Patients can reduce their risk by:

  • Inspecting feet daily for cuts, blisters, or changes in skin color
  • Wearing properly fitted shoes to avoid friction and pressure points
  • Keeping blood sugar levels well-managed
  • Maintaining proper foot hygiene, including washing and moisturizing
  • Scheduling regular foot exams with healthcare providers

These proactive steps can dramatically reduce the likelihood of developing ulcers.

The Role Of Mobile Wound Care

For many patients with diabetes, traveling to a clinic for regular wound care can be difficult, especially if mobility is already limited. Mobile wound care solves this problem by bringing expert treatment directly to the patient’s home.

Mobile wound care providers:

  • Perform regular wound assessments
  • Apply advanced dressings and therapies
  • Monitor for early signs of infection
  • Educate patients and caregivers on foot care and prevention

This consistent, accessible care reduces hospitalizations and lowers the risk of amputations.

Final Thoughts

Diabetic foot ulcers are serious, but they are not inevitable. With early recognition, specialized wound care, and preventive strategies, patients can protect their feet, preserve their mobility, and avoid life-altering complications.

On-site wound care for seniors and other patients in need, makes this process even more effective by ensuring patients receive the treatment they need, when and where they need it most. When it comes to diabetic foot ulcers, timely care truly saves limbs and lives.

Scroll to Top