A diabetic foot ulcer is an open wound, often on the sole or toes, that heals slowly because of reduced feeling or poor circulation. Diabetic foot ulcer treatment in Amman includes cleaning the wound, taking pressure off it, treating infection, and checking the arteries and improving blood flow when needed.
Note: If redness is spreading around the ulcer, there is pus or a bad smell, or you have a fever, go to the emergency department straight away.
Symptoms
- An open sore on the foot, often on the sole, toes or heel.
- Thick skin or a callus with dark colour or fluid underneath.
- Discharge showing on your socks.
- Redness, swelling or warmth around the wound.
- There may be no pain because of reduced feeling, so do not rely on pain as a warning sign.
Causes
- Reduced feeling from diabetic nerve damage.
- Repeated pressure on one spot of the foot, such as from tight shoes or foot deformities.
- Poor circulation that slows healing, as in leg artery blockage.
- Small cuts or cracks that went unnoticed.
- High blood sugar and smoking.
Diagnosis
The doctor examines the ulcer to check its depth, its location and whether it is infected, and checks the feeling and pulses in your foot.
- A foot circulation assessment; your doctor may request a Doppler ultrasound.
- An X-ray if infection may have reached the bone.
- Blood and blood sugar tests.
- A sample from the wound if there are signs of infection.
Treatment options
The plan is chosen after the examination, based on the ulcer, the arteries and your general health.
- Controlling blood sugar, stopping smoking and daily foot care.
- Cleaning the ulcer regularly and using dressings that suit it.
- Taking pressure off the ulcer with special shoes, a cast or padding. This is one of the most important parts of treatment.
- Treating infection with medicines prescribed by your doctor, if present.
- Removing hard skin and dead tissue around the ulcer (debridement) to help it heal.
- Treating blocked arteries with angioplasty or surgery if poor blood flow is stopping healing.
- Foot surgery in selected cases, such as draining an abscess or treating infected bone.
What to expect on the day and after
At your visit, the wound is examined and you are shown how to care for it and keep pressure off it. Extra tests may be requested.
- Regular check-ups to follow the size of the ulcer and adjust treatment.
- Keeping pressure off the foot, even for short walks at home.
- Healing time varies, and your doctor will explain what to expect in your case.
- After healing, suitable shoes and regular foot checks help lower the chance of the ulcer returning.
When to book an appointment
- Any foot wound that is not improving if you have diabetes.
- A callus or thick skin with dark colour underneath.
- Discharge appearing on your socks.
- An ulcer that healed before and has come back.