Diabetic Ulcer Foot: Causes, Prevention Tips & More

Diabetic ulcers and pain are most common in poorly controlled diabetes. It forms when the skin tissue breaks down and exposes the layers underneath. They can even result in amputation of limbs. As you know, dry skin is common in diabetes. The feet may get prone to corns, calluses, bleeding, and cracking.

What is a Diabetic Ulcer in Foot?

A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore or wound that typically occurs in patients with diabetes. It is commonly located at the base of the foot.

Who Can Get Foot Ulcer?

Any person with diabetes can get a foot ulcer. But they are more common in old men, Native Americans, Hispanics, and African Americans. People who use insulin are also at a high risk of developing it. Being overweight, and using tobacco or alcohol also plays a huge role in increasing the risk.

Diagnosis

The first sign of a foot ulcer is drainage of your foot. Unusual irritation, swelling, smell, and redness are the early symptoms. The most common sign of a severe diabetic ulcer is a black tissue that surrounds the ulcer.

It forms due to the absence of healthy blood flow surrounding the ulcer. Immediately consult your doctor if you spot any skin discoloration mainly tissue that has turned black or if you feel massive pain around the region.

Causes of Diabetic Ulcer

Diabetic foot ulcers are mainly caused by:

-Nerve damage
-Poor blood circulation
-Wounded or irritated feet
-High BP

But it can also be caused due to:

-Poor hygiene 
-Improper trimming of toenails
-Heart disorder
-Poorly fitted or bad quality shoes
-Kidney disease
-Alcohol consumption
-Eye disease 
-Tobacco use
-Obesity

How to Prevent Diabetic Ulcers?

Best home remedies:

Caffeine

The most common issue with diabetic ulcers is that blood fails to reach the foot. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system and boosts blood flow. It also enhances the immune response in the affected site.

Unpasteurized Honey

Unpasteurized honey is the most common natural remedy for diabetic foot conditions as it has anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial agents. It can fight against infections. Firstly, clean the wound using salt water.  Use honey and then put a bandage on the wounded site. It will heal it within three weeks.

Aloe Vera

You can apply aloe vera gel to eliminate ulcers, discomfort, pain, and inflammation.

Rhubarb Root

Rhubarb root has a compound known as emodin that has excellent anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties which is quite effective in treating foot infections. When you apply the root topically, it neutralizes the infections quickly and also lowers ulcer size.

Astragalus

Astragalus is the most potent immune-building plant on earth. When you use it directly on the skin, it induces blood flow and speeds up the healing process. This helps a diabetic person eliminate infection-causing ulcers and microvascular circulation problems.

American Ginseng

American ginseng is an excellent herb for diabetes. It helps to regulate the body and most of the functioning including that of blood sugar level. It also prevents diabetic foot infections.

Psyllium Herb

People facing diabetes can enhance their health by consuming blond and black psyllium. It can reduce your chances of developing diabetic foot conditions and also regulate glucose as well as insulin levels.

Ozonated Olive Oil

Olive oil can produce redness, thus boosting the blood flow to the injured part by relaxing vessels or nerves. When you massage with it, it gives a soothing effect and heals your foot ulcers fast.

Combo involving Kitchen Herbs

Garlic and onion are the common herbs found in the kitchen that help to treat diabetic wounds fast.
Method 1: Make a paste of onion and honey and apply it on the wounded site. Eliminate the dough after half an hour. Repeat the procedure three times a day.
Method 2: Make a paste of garlic cloves and use it on the wound. Then wrap it with a banana leaf.

Disclaimer: The symptoms of diabetic ulcer in foot may differ from individual to individual. Thus, it’s a smart idea to take the help of your doctor before considering any treatment.

How Diabetes Can Prevent Amputations?

Your doctor may advise you to wear specific items to guard your feet like food braces, compression wraps, diabetic shoes, casts, and shoe inserts.

Make your Feet Clean and Dry

Make sure you wash your feet every day with hot water. Keep them dry thoroughly mainly between you and under your toes. This is because fungal infections and athlete’s foot can occur in these regions.

Keep the skin soft using a moisturizing lotion.  If your doctor has advised you to use talcum powder, sprinkle it between your toes to keep them dry. 

Get Comfortable

Using diabetic shoes, socks, compressions, and wraps may get rid of inflammation and pain. Avoid wearing shoes that are too tight or too loose.

Also, ensure that they have excellent cushioning and support. You can even try orthopedic shoes which are built mainly for diabetic patients.

Trim Your Toenails

It’s a good idea to trim your toenails if you have diabetes. Do it gently and avoid any hurry because losing focus even for a second may cause wear and tear on your skin.

Inspect your Feet Every day

People with diabetes must inspect their feet every day for calluses, red spots, cuts, swelling, and other issues. Regular trimming of your toenails is a good idea to prevent ingrown toenails.

You can use a mirror to see the unreachable side of your feet. Also, get your feet checked at least one time in a year with a skilled podiatrist.

Guard it Against Infection

Washing your feet daily in lukewarm water is essential. You can apply a moisturizing lotion or cream afterward. But avoid using it between your toes because this could promote bacteria growth. Also, do not forget to put on the shoes and socks even if you are staying inside your home.

Keep Your Hands to Yourself

While cutting your toenails, avoid cutting calluses or other protrusions on your feet. Also, do not use wart removers or other harmful chemicals. You may damage your feet even more while handling them yourself; thus it’s better to go to an experienced doctor and let him take care of you.

Change Your Socks Daily

Wear a fresh pair of socks every morning and also wash them properly after use. Avoid wearing socks made of nylon or the ones with elastic bands because they may lower your blood circulation and slow the healing process. Always wear padded socks made of acrylic, cotton, or acrylic mixture to keep moisture away.

Avoid Injuries

Try to avoid anything that may hurt your feet because it will lower the risk of amputation. Immediately, visit a doctor if the diabetic ulcer does not heal within a few days.

Be Alert

If you spot any signs of infection, call your foot health professional or podiatrist immediately.

Walk Everyday

It’s a good idea to walk as much as possible. It boosts the blood flow and keeps your blood sugar as well as weight under control. But avoid walking barefoot because it may cause injuries to your feet.

Manage Your Diabetes

Keeping your blood sugar, cholesterol levels, and BP in check can help you avoid most of the complications related to diabetes. Work with your physician to create a self-management plan for proper inspection of your feet. It will also help in identifying the early signs of poor blood circulation, nerve damage, or other foot issues.

How Should Diabetic Ulcer in Foot Be Treated?

There are many important factors in the appropriate treatment of diabetic ulcers.

-Keeping blood glucose under control and other health issues
-Eliminating dead tissues and skin (known as debridement)
-Prevention of infection

-Using dressings or medicines to ulcer
-Taking the pressure off the region (known as off-loading)