Foot ulcer treatment

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About Foot ulcer

Foot ulcers are open sores or lesions that most commonly occur on the big toe or the ball of the foot. These sores often persist and will not heal on their own. Foot ulcers are caused by a breakdown in skin tissue that leaves tissue on the feet and legs exposed. Foot and ankle ulcers often fall into one of three major types, based on appearance, location, and effect on the skin:

- Venous ulcers affect the legs below the knees, often in people with a history of leg swelling and related vein conditions.

- Neurotrophic (diabetic foot) ulcers often occur on the bottom of the feet in those with diabetes.

- Arterial (ischemic) ulcers develop all over the feet in those with poor circulation.

Diabetes and poor circulation damages nerves and blood vessels in the feet, which can make it easier for the tissue to become injured. In addition, unmanaged blood sugar levels can slow the healing process of injuries, which may increase your risk of infection.

One of the first signs of a foot ulcer is draining from the sore that stains socks or footwear. Based on related conditions — like trouble with circulation and nerve damage — you may not feel certain symptoms. Common symptoms of a foot ulcer include:


  • Swelling in the affected area
  • Burning pain in the foot or near the open wound
  • Itchy skin around the sore
  • Skin discoloration - skin may become reddish, or gangrenous (black), depending on the severity of the sore
  • Rashes
  • Dry, scaly skin

If you are managing diabetes or poor circulation to the legs, it is crucial that you routinely check your foot’s health for open sores and lesions. Nerve damage can lead to numbness in the lower body, which may affect your ability to feel these symptoms in your foot. Though you may not feel pain from foot ulcers, they can easily become infected and gangrenous (tissue death caused by infection). Feet that have become severely damaged by gangrene may need to be amputated.

Talk to your doctor about the most effective methods of foot care to prevent ulcers and other injuries. If you begin to notice drainage appearing on your socks or footwear, or if you have noted sores appearing on the balls of your feet and toes, talk to a health care provider right away. Early treatment can prevent complications from open wounds.

Below is a list of common treatment options for foot ulcers. During your appointment, discuss these with your doctor to determine the right treatment plan for you.

If your foot ulcers are being caused by diabetes or poor circulation, treatment for those conditions may minimize your risk of developing more injuries. However, to help reduce your risk of infection, and relieve discomfort caused by open sores, use these methods of foot care:

- Examine your feet: Checking your feet every day can help you maintain your foot health. Look for blisters, sores, cracked or peeling skin, swelling, and discoloration in the skin of the foot. These are common signs of injuries and may require treatment.

- Trim toenails carefully: Cut your toenails straight across to prevent ingrown toenails. Additionally, do not cut the nail too close to the skin as this can lead to open wounds. Be gentle while cutting toenails to prevent injury and infection.

- Wash your feet daily: Do not soak your feet (as a bath of warm water can be the perfect breeding ground for germs). Instead, use lukewarm water and soap in the shower to clean your feet. After you have washed your feet, dry in between your toes to prevent excess moisture when you wear shoes.

- Moisturize your feet: Applying moisturizer to your feet can help prevent the skin on your feet from cracking, a common cause of open wounds.

- Wear comfortable shoes: Avoid shoes that are too tight to prevent corns and calluses. Your doctor may recommend compression foot wraps to protect the skin of the foot while wearing shoes.

- Wear clean socks: Wear a clean, dry pair of socks every day. Reusing socks can introduce harmful pathogens and moisture to the foot, increasing your risk of infection.

If your doctor suspects that a foot ulcer has become infected - or is concerned that an infection may occur - they may recommend antibiotic medication to prevent bacterial infections (such as a staph infection).

If tissue on the foot has become infected, your doctor may recommend debridement to trim away callused and damaged skin around the wound. After this infected and dead tissue is removed, the foot will be wrapped in bandages to prevent further damage. Depending on the severity of the infection, your doctor may recommend repeated visits to change the dressing on the wound, and monitor the progression of the injury.

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