5 Important Facts About Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Many people with diabetes experience open wounds on their feet and toes. These wounds, known as diabetic foot ulcers, can be challenging to treat, but they aren’t inevitable. Proper blood sugar management can reduce your risk and help you stay mobile. 

At Mayfair Foot Care in Commack, New York, podiatrists Drs. Edward Buro, Christine Peterson, and Rosario Saccomanno provide complete care for diabetic foot ulcers. This blog highlights five important facts about these wounds so you can better protect yourself. 

What causes diabetic foot ulcers?

Diabetes is a group of chronic diseases affecting the body’s blood sugar use. When too much sugar builds up in the blood, it increases the risk of various problems, including nerve damage and poor circulation. These factors can affect blood flow and sensation in your feet, causing the skin to break down and diabetic foot wounds to form.

5 must-know facts about diabetic foot ulcers

Diabetic foot ulcers aren’t always preventable, but these five key facts can help you protect yourself:

1. Diabetic foot ulcers are common

If you notice an open wound on your feet or between your toes, you might assume it’s caused by poor diabetes management. However, that’s not always the case. Research shows that these wounds affect about 30% of people with diabetes.

While controlling factors like diet and blood sugar can help, these aren’t the only contributors. In fact, research shows genetics often increase susceptibility to these wounds.  

2. Diabetic foot ulcers often return

Diabetic ulcers often require ongoing care. However, even after the wounds heal, they commonly return months or years later. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, 40% of diabetic foot ulcers recur within a year, and 65% come back within five years.

If you have diabetes, routine checkups with our caring team can help reduce this risk and support long-term healing.

3. Diabetic foot ulcers increase the risk of other health problems

Slow-healing wounds may not seem like that big of a concern, especially if they aren’t causing you pain or poor mobility, but they can have potentially severe implications for your health. For example, untreated ulcers can increase the risk of infections requiring more intensive medical care. 

We don’t share this information to scare you but to highlight the importance of early treatment. Research shows that proper care can decrease ulcer occurrence by 50% and lower the risk of complications, like amputation.

4. Diabetic ulcers don’t heal overnight

Diabetic ulcers take longer to heal than cuts or scrapes. Although recovery time varies, research suggests the average diabetic wound takes at least 112 days (or a little over three months) to heal. 

If you have a diabetic ulcer, patience and routine monitoring and care are key. Cleaning and dressing your wound daily can speed up the process and reduce the risk of complications like infection.

5. Avoiding certain activities can promote healing

Activities like smoking, drinking alcohol, and walking barefoot can cause diabetic ulcers to grow, become infected, or heal slowly. Although it can be challenging to break bad habits and go outside your comfort zone, these steps are necessary to protect your well-being. We can work with you to develop a treatment plan that supports your well-being while promoting healing.

Diabetic ulcer treatment starts here!

Diabetic ulcers can affect your mobility and quality of life, but you don’t have to suffer. Various treatments can speed up healing, reduce the risk of infection, and support your feet. Contact Mayfair Foot Care today to keep your feet healthy. Call our office in Commack, New York, to schedule an appointment, or book your visit online.