Foot Ulcers in Diabetics: Causes and Treatments 

We''ve all heard of the "Top 10," but here are the most important "Top 10" that you will ever read:

1.       Alcoholism

2.       Buerger''s Disease

3.       Cancer

4.       Diabetes

5.       Foot injury

6.       Fungal infection

7.       Ischemia

8.       Neuropathy

9.       Paraplegia

10.   Smoking

What are these top ten things and what do they have to do with diabetics?

These are top ten medical problems that are diagnosed with that lead to foot ulcers in diabetics. If you have suffered from one or more of these top ten medical problems, then I''m glad you''re reading this article. I will answer your questions about foot ulcers in diabetics, what causes them and the best treatments you can use.

What are ulcers?

Ulcers are open wounds or open sores that can appear on any part of the body that won''t heal and will keep returning.

What are the symptoms of ulcers?

Ulcers may be hard to detect because they may or may not be painful. A swollen leg, rashes, redness, brown discoloration, dry, and scaly skin, and burning or itching sensations are the most common symptoms of ulcers and are easier to diagnose as ulcers.

Why are diabetics prone to having ulcers?

Diabetics are at a much greater risk for a variety of foot problems than non-diabetics because their body''s organs don''t function properly. This allows for many different medical problems to occur.

What causes foot ulcers in diabetics?

The three main causes of foot ulcers are:

   • Not proper care of the feet

   • Not wearing comfortable shoes

   • Not wearing socks

Diabetes can damage the nerves in the legs and feet so much that diabetics can''t feel a blister or sore when it begins to appear. This is especially dangerous because an ulcer can because larger sores and even become infected if undetected right away. This may lead to amputation of a toe, a foot, or even a leg.

What are the symptoms of foot ulcers?

The five symptoms of foot ulcers are:

1.       Blisters on the feet or legs

2.       Fever

3.       Skin redness

4.       Swelling

5.        Sores on the feet or lower legs

What are the risk factors if foot ulcers aren''t taken care of properly?

Diabetics who develop foot ulcers also experience a reduced quality of life due to limited mobility, restricted social activities, and time lost from work. Not to mention these medical risk factors:

   • Feet deformity

   • Neuropathy (decreased feeling in feet)

   • Peripheral vascular disease (poor circulation in legs)

   • Retinopathy (decreased vision for inspecting feet daily)

I want the best health, so how do I care for my foot ulcers?

There are several ways that you can care for your foot ulcers to ensure your health and safety such as:
 

   • Changing the dressing often

  • Cleansing the wound regularly

I don''t have foot ulcers, so how can I prevent myself from getting the ulcers?

You will greatly reduce your chances of getting diabetic foot ulcers by following these simple do''s and don''ts list:

   • Do buy properly fitted shoes.

   • Do cleanse feet daily and dry them thoroughly between the toes before putting shoes or socks on.

   • Do inspect them daily for sores that you aren''t able to feel.

   • Do use petroleum jelly or an unscented lotion to moisturize dry feet.

   • Do use a mirror or another person to see parts of the feet you can''t see.

   • Don''t put lotion between the toes.

   • Don''t smoke.

   • Don''t wear garters and tight stockings around the legs.

Is there anything else that can help me with my diabetes?