Ulcers - Diabetic Foot Ulceration Diagnosed by Mercy Foot Doctors
The foot and ankle specialists at The Institute for Foot and Ankle Reconstruction at Mercy treat patients who suffer foot conditions, such as ulcers, due to diabetes. Our doctors offer some of the best treatment options for foot and ankle conditions, including a special cast for patients who have developed foot ulcers because of diabetes.
Diabetic foot ulceration is related to having a condition called neuropathy. Patients with diabetes do not have normal feeling in their feet. The nerves stop conducting electrical impulses correctly as a result of the abnormal sugar metabolism. Sensations in the foot begin to change and decrease over time. Due to the neuropathy, light touch, deep pressure and most skin sensations cannot be adequately perceived.
Any friction, rubbing, or pressure from a shoe will lead to an increased concentration of pressure on the foot. This causes skin breakdown and an ulcer develops. The pressure and friction are normal but the inability to feel these sensations is abnormal. The patient cannot make the fine-tuning and adjustments necessary to prevent an ulcer from forming.
An ulcer is not caused by lack of circulation or by infection. The ulcers are usually associated with bone pressure and a bone prominence in the foot. These ulcers can become very large and must be treated. If left untreated, the ulcer will lead to eventual bone infection and possibly amputation of the foot or leg.
Often there are no symptoms of diabetic foot ulceration since pain cannot be felt in the foot of a patient experiencing neuropathy. It is important for patients with diabetes to have their feet checked for any signs of ulcers by their primary care physician and/or endocrinologist who are helping them manage their diabetes.
Patients with severe ulcers should be referred to a foot and ankle surgeon specializing in diabetic foot ulceration.
The most effective way to treat an ulcer is to change the pressure on the bottom of the foot. The majority of ulcers can be treated with a walking boot, walking cast or a total contact cast.
The total contact cast treatment for diabetic ulceration is commonly used. The cast distributes the pressure on the bottom of the foot allowing even pressure for walking and eventual healing of the ulcer.
Complete healing takes anywhere from two to six months. If healing does not occur or if infection develops, surgery will become necessary.