Diabetic foot ulcers are unfortunately common side effects reported by patients living with diabetes. The term ulcer is used in a clinical setting to refer to non-healing wounds, like open sores, cuts, and scrapes.
These types of skin damage are known to form in a patient's lower extremities, including buttocks, legs, and anterior shins, as all are vulnerable to repeat injuries. Diabetes can disrupt an adequate blood flow to these areas, which is especially important to the health and healing of open wounds.
In short, poor circulation in diabetes patients means that a simple blister or tiny cut may develop into a larger problem.
What Does Diabetic Neuropathy Feel Like?
Diabetic foot ulcers are named for the density of the human foot tissue, which creates an internal environment that is more prone to infection and complications. One such complication is neuropathy, or nerve damage in the areas of the body where the ulcers have formed.
In extreme situations, if people with diabetes mismanage their condition or fail to seek proper care a non-healing wound, there may be a need for amputation.
What often begins as pain or a tingling sensation in the area near the wound can evolve into complete loss of feeling. In addition to being a potentially life threatening condition on its own, reduced sensation in a limb makes a patient less likely to be aware of further damage to an open sore or wound.
Care and treatment for these symptoms require the input and direction of a wound care professional or vascular specialist.