Diabetic Foot Ulcer: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Cost

Diabetic foot ulcers are wounds on the feet generally developed in diabetic people. They're usually slow to heal and can lead to infection or even require amputation if left untreated.

Foot and toe ulcers are open sores on the skin of your feet, toes, or ankles. Many things can cause them, including:

• Diabetes
• Injuries that damage your skin, such as stepping on a nail or stubbing your toe
• Bacterial infections (such as athlete's foot)
• Burns from hot water or chemicals

• Neuropathic Ulcer: Neuropathy, or damage to the nerves, is a typical intricacy of diabetes and can cause numbness in the feet and legs. Neuropathic ulcers occur when a person lacks sensation over pressure points and sustains trauma to those areas. A callus form at the site of injury becomes thick enough to re-traumatize the area beneath, causing an ulcer. Unseen or neglected cuts and scrapes can result in ulcers.
• >Ischemic Ulcer: Ischemic ulcers are one of the most common types of diabetic foot ulcer. They occur when blood flow to a part of the body is reduced, depriving the tissue of oxygen and nutrients. Ischemic ulcers are caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD) or other conditions that reduce blood flow to the feet.
• Neuroischemic Ulcer: People with peripheral neuropathy caused by peripheral artery disease are prone to develop this kind of ulcers. These ulcers heal more slowly than other types—if they do heal—and have a higher risk of infection, leading to amputation if left untreated.

High blood sugar levels can lead to diabetes-related neuropathy, in which nerves throughout the body (but most often those in your legs and feet) are damaged. You might not notice a blister or cut on your feet if your feet are numbed. They can become infected if you don't take care of such wounds immediately.

People with diabetes are prone to develop peripheral artery disease (PAD), which causes arteries in the limbs and feet to narrow or block. If you are suffering from diabetes and poor blood circulation, it will be harder for your foot ulcers or infections to heal.

A foot ulcer resembles a red, crater-like lesion with thickened skin around its edge. Severe ulcers can expose tendons or bones.

A foot ulcer can signify severe infection, leading to amputation. Some people with diabetes will develop neuropathy and nerve damage that causes tingling and numb feet. This makes it hard for them to sense when something is wrong with their feet. If you have neuropathy, you must check your feet regularly for cuts or blisters that need immediate attention.

Foot ulcers are also a result of peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD is caused by a buildup of fat and cholesterol in the blood vessels which makes it difficult to deliver oxygen and nutrients to your tissues. If you have PAD, it will be harder for your foot ulcer or infection to heal. If untreated, a diabetic foot ulcer can lead to serious complications such as infection, gangrene, and amputation.

• Neuropathy
• Peripheral Vascular Disease
• Age
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Family history of foot ulceration or amputation

A foot ulcer can lead to severe complications such as infection, gangrene, and amputation if left untreated. If you have diabetes, it's essential to be aware of the symptoms of foot ulcers and seek medical advice immediately upon noticing any changes in your body.

It is crucial to keep your feet dry and clean at all times. This will reduce the risk of infection and prevent bacteria from entering your body through cuts or cracks in your skin. You should also avoid walking barefoot without shoes on whenever possible. If you have a foot ulcer, it's essential to keep it clean by washing it with warm water and soap once or twice daily.

Home remedies, however, only help you in subsiding the effects of diabetic foot ulcers. Surgery, however, can help you get relief from the problem for good.

The best foods to eat when you have diabetes are those that are low in fat and high in fiber and protein. These include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It would help to drink plenty of water each day to avoid dehydration.

You should avoid sugar, processed foods, and alcohol if you are diagnosed with diabetic foot ulcers. These have high fat and calorie content, leading to weight gain and other health concerns in people with diabetes.

You should consult your doctor as soon as possible upon noticing any of the following symptoms:

• Numbness or tingling in your feet
• Pain or burning in your feet that does not go away when you get up from resting
• Sores that do not heal

The initial step in treating a diabetic foot ulcer is to improve blood flow to the foot. This may be done by wearing compression stockings or using an ultrasound machine to massage your calf muscles. Your doctor may also recommend wearing special shoes that provide extra padding and support for your feet.

Many medicines can also treat diabetic foot ulcers. The most common one is pioglitazone, which can be used with other medications. Pioglitazone works by reducing inflammation and increasing blood flow to the area of the wound.

Debridement, Achilles Tendon Lengthening, and Atherectomy are some common surgical treatments for Diabetic Foot Ulcer.

Foot ulcers can heal in about three months and require frequent doctor visits to ensure healing goes as planned. Sometimes, you may need special shoes to reduce pressure on the wound.

The average cost of Diabetic Foot Ulcer treatments in India is Rs. 184494, which can go up to Rs. 467708 depending on the type of surgery and severity of the ulcer.

Most foot ulcers heal in 12 weeks if the blood flow is adequate. However, about one-third of healed ulcers return to their original size within a year or two.

You must have diabetes, between the ages of 18 and 65 years old. You must have an active infection or ulcer on your foot that cannot be treated with antibiotics alone.

You may not be eligible if you are pregnant or nursing; Have a medical condition that makes it unsafe to receive the treatment, such as internal bleeding or blood clotting disorders.

You should continue taking your diabetes medicine and any other medications you may be taking. You should plan a follow-up appointment with your doctor within two weeks after the procedure. If you have diabetes, it is important that you continue to follow your doctor's treatment procedure. This includes taking all your diabetes medications (including insulin), monitoring your blood sugar levels regularly, following a healthy diet, and exercising regularly.

If a Diabetic Foot Ulcer is not treated, it can lead to severe complications, including:

• Gangrene- This occurs when tissues begin to die, and the body is no longer able to get nutrients from the affected area. It can cause severe pain and swelling.
• Amputation- This is the most serious complication of an untreated or poorly managed foot ulcer. About 70% of people with diabetes who have had a lower-leg amputation will need another amputation within 5 years.

The most common side-effects of diabetic foot ulcer treatments include pain and discomfort from bandages or dressings, along with pain from injections: nausea, vomiting, rashes, itchiness, and other skin reactions.

The outlook for someone with a diabetic foot ulcer depends on the severity of their diabetes and how quickly they get treatment. If you have diabetes and suspect an ulcer, make sure to see your doctor immediately. Diabetic foot ulcers are painful and can lead to severe complications, including amputation. But if identified early, treated appropriately, and managed over time with good blood sugar control, most people can avoid the serious consequences of their condition.