Diabetic Foot Ulcers (DFU)

Early Treatment Can Save Your Foot

A diabetic foot ulcer is an open wound or sore that develops on the foot as a result of diabetes-related nerve damage, poor circulation, pressure, deformity, or trauma. What may begin as a small blister, callus, crack in the skin, or pressure point can quickly progress into a serious wound if left untreated.

Diabetic foot ulcers are one of the most common and serious complications of diabetes and are a leading cause of hospitalization and lower-extremity amputation. The good news is that with early intervention and specialized wound care, many diabetic foot ulcers can be successfully treated before they become limb-threatening.

At Edge Podiatry, we specialize in diabetic wound care, limb salvage, Charcot foot management, advanced wound healing, and reconstructive surgery. Our goal is to heal wounds quickly, prevent infection, and help patients avoid amputation whenever possible.

What Causes Diabetic Foot Ulcers?

Diabetes can damage both the nerves and blood vessels in your feet.

Diabetic Neuropathy

Nerve damage reduces your ability to feel pain, pressure, heat, and injury. As a result, many patients develop wounds without realizing it.

Poor Circulation

Reduced blood flow decreases the body's ability to heal wounds and fight infection.

Foot Deformities

Conditions such as:

• Charcot foot

• Hammertoes

• Bunions

• Arch collapse

• Prominent bones

can create abnormal pressure points that lead to skin breakdown and ulcer formation.

Repetitive Pressure

A callus, blister, poorly fitting shoe, or even normal walking can cause tissue breakdown when excessive pressure is applied repeatedly.

Common Locations of Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Diabetic foot ulcers most commonly occur:

• Under the ball of the foot

• Beneath the big toe

• Under prominent metatarsal bones

• On the heel

• On the toes

• Along bony prominences

• Over hammertoe deformities

• Around Charcot foot deformities

However, an ulcer can develop anywhere excessive pressure or friction exists.

Why Diabetic Foot Ulcers Are Dangerous

Because diabetic foot ulcers are open wounds, they can become infected quickly.

Without proper treatment, complications may include:

• Cellulitis

• Abscess formation

• Bone infection (osteomyelitis)

• Gangrene

• Hospitalization

• Sepsis

• Partial foot amputation

• Below-knee amputation

The longer a wound remains untreated, the greater the risk of serious complications.

Signs of Infection

Seek immediate medical attention if you notice:

• Increased redness

• Swelling

• Warmth around the wound

• Drainage or pus

• Foul odor

• Increased wound size

• Fever or chills

• Red streaking from the wound

• New pain or discomfort

Prompt treatment can prevent an infection from becoming limb-threatening.

Advanced Diabetic Foot Ulcer Treatment

Successful treatment requires more than simply covering the wound.

At Edge Podiatry, we utilize a comprehensive wound healing approach that may include:

Serial Wound Debridement

Regular debridement removes dead and infected tissue, allowing healthy tissue to grow and promoting faster healing.

Offloading and Pressure Relief

One of the most important aspects of ulcer treatment is removing pressure from the wound.

Treatment may include:

• Surgical shoes

• Walking boots

• Total contact casts

• Custom braces

• Custom orthotics

• Wheelchair assistance when necessary

An ulcer cannot heal effectively if excessive pressure continues to be applied.

Advanced Wound Dressings

We utilize specialized wound care products designed to maintain an optimal healing environment while reducing infection risk.

Infection Management

If infection is present, treatment may include:

• Oral antibiotics

• Intravenous antibiotics

• Surgical drainage

• Bone infection management

Diabetic Shoe and Orthotic Therapy

Custom diabetic footwear and orthotics help reduce pressure points and prevent future ulcers from developing.

Charcot Foot and Diabetic Ulcers

Many diabetic ulcers develop as a result of Charcot foot deformity. When the bones and joints collapse, abnormal pressure points form on the bottom of the foot, increasing the risk of chronic ulceration.

Our physicians have extensive experience treating both Charcot foot and Charcot-related ulcerations through conservative management, custom bracing, and advanced reconstructive surgery.

Limb Salvage and Reconstructive Surgery

For patients with severe deformities, chronic ulcers, bone infections, or recurrent wounds, surgical intervention may be necessary.

At Edge Podiatry, we specialize in diabetic limb salvage and advanced foot reconstruction designed to preserve mobility and prevent amputation.

Treatment options may include:

• Surgical wound closure

• Bone infection management

• Correction of foot deformities

• Charcot reconstruction

• Removal of bony prominences

• Joint stabilization procedures

• Limb salvage reconstruction

Our goal is always to preserve as much function and mobility as possible while eliminating the source of ulceration.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Advanced Wound Healing

For difficult or slow-healing wounds, advanced wound healing technologies may be recommended.

Our physicians have extensive experience in diabetic wound management and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), which can help improve oxygen delivery to damaged tissues and enhance wound healing in appropriate patients.

Why Choose Edge Podiatry?

We provide comprehensive diabetic foot ulcer care including:

• Weekly wound evaluations

• Advanced wound debridement

• Diabetic foot examinations

• Limb salvage procedures

• Charcot foot treatment

• Reconstructive foot surgery

• Custom diabetic shoes and orthotics

• Hyperbaric medicine expertise

• Multidisciplinary wound care coordination

Our focus is simple: heal wounds, preserve mobility, and prevent amputation.

Don't Wait to Seek Treatment

Many amputations begin as a small blister, callus, or wound that was ignored for too long. Early intervention provides the best opportunity for healing and limb preservation.

Schedule an Appointment Immediately

If you have diabetes and notice a wound, ulcer, redness, swelling, drainage, skin breakdown, or signs of infection, contact Edge Podiatry immediately. Prompt treatment can make the difference between a wound that heals and one that leads to serious complications.

Our team specializes in diabetic wound care, limb salvage, and amputation prevention—and we're here to help protect your health, mobility, and independence.