Diabetic Ulcers

About one in three people with diabetes develops foot ulcers (open sores). At United Wound Care Centers of Illinois in Aurora, Illinois, experienced nurse practitioners John Konopelski, C-APN, DNP, Gladys Odoi, APRN, FNP-BC, MSN, and their team, diagnose and treat diabetic ulcers to enhance healing and reduce the chance of an infection spreading. Schedule a diabetic ulcer evaluation by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.

What are diabetic ulcers?

Diabetic ulcers are open, nonhealing wounds that often appear on the feet. Diabetic foot ulcers affect about 1.6 million people in the United States each year. Half of them become infected. Some require amputation when not treated promptly. That’s why early detection and treatment of diabetic ulcers is vital to avoid complications.

What are the symptoms of diabetic ulcers?

Symptoms of diabetic ulcers include:

• Nonhealing wounds, often on the feet
• Wounds that are yellow, red, pink, brown, black, or gray
• Crater- or wedge-shaped wounds
• Dry, cracked, red, or scaly skin
• Wounds that drain fluid
• Wounds with a strong odor
• Chronic (long-lasting) wounds

Chronic wounds are those that don’t begin to heal after four weeks. You might also experience numbness, burning, or tingling sensations caused by diabetes-related neuropathy (nerve damage).

What are the risk factors for diabetic ulcers?

Diabetic ulcer risk factors include:

• Diabetes
• Uncontrolled blood sugar
• Eye damage, kidney disease, or other diabetes-related complications
• Heart disease
• Obesity
• Poor blood circulation
• Bunions, hammertoe, mallet toe, or claw toe
• Using tobacco (smoking or chewing)
• Drinking alcohol
• Foot deformities
• Irritation or pressure on the skin
• Foot trauma
• Nerve damage
• Vascular disease
• Cellulitis
• Peripheral arterial disease (PAD)
• Unusual gait

Up to 24% of Americans with diabetes require amputation after having a foot ulcer. Treating those ulcers early reduces your risk of an infection and the need for amputation.

How are diabetic ulcers diagnosed?

The United Wound Care Centers of Illinois team diagnoses diabetic ulcers by discussing your symptoms and reviewing your medical history. They evaluate your feet and could recommend a biopsy, X-rays, an MRI, or other imaging procedures to determine how to best treat your wound.

How are diabetic ulcers treated?

Treating diabetic ulcers may include:

• Wound cleaning
• Off-loading
• Drainage
• Debridement
• Dressings
• Bandaging
• Negative pressure wound therapy
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
• Skin grafting
• Oral medication
• Topical medicine
• Compression stockings or bandages
• Ultrasound therapy
• Electromagnetic therapy
• Growth factor therapy
• Stem cell therapy
• Complex wound care
• Surgery

Diabetes management is critical to preventing diabetic ulcers. Eat a nutritious diet, maintain a healthy weight, stay active, and take medication as directed. Wear comfortable shoes, check your blood sugar often, and examine your feet regularly.

Schedule an in-office or home-based diabetic ulcer evaluation at United Wound Care Centers of Illinois by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.