Overview of Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Causes, Diagnosis, and Management
This detailed summary, adapted from a comprehensive article on Medscape, outlines the essential aspects of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), including risk factors, clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, and treatment approaches. Diabetic foot ulcers are a major complication of diabetes and contribute significantly to patient morbidity and healthcare costs.
Key Highlights:
- Causes and Risk Factors: DFUs are commonly caused by peripheral neuropathy (loss of protective sensation), peripheral arterial disease (reduced blood flow), and structural foot deformities. These factors together increase the likelihood of ulcer formation and delay healing.
- Clinical Presentation: DFUs typically present as open sores, especially on weight-bearing areas of the foot. Redness, swelling, discharge, and odor may indicate infection. Notably, pain is often absent due to neuropathy.
- Diagnosis: Evaluation includes physical and neurological exams, vascular assessments (e.g., ABI), imaging (X-ray or MRI), and lab tests to detect infection or bone involvement.
- Treatment: Effective care involves offloading pressure, regular wound debridement, appropriate dressings, infection management, tight glycemic control, and in some cases, surgery or revascularization. Multidisciplinary care is often required.
- Prognosis: Up to 20% of DFUs may lead to lower-limb amputation. Recurrence is common, so prevention through foot care education and ongoing monitoring is critical.
With early detection and a coordinated treatment plan, many diabetic foot ulcers can be healed and serious complications avoided. Healthcare providers should remain vigilant for early signs in diabetic patients and implement evidence-based strategies to improve outcomes.
Read the full article on the Medscape website.
Keywords:
diabetic foot ulcers,
wound care,
debridement,
peripheral neuropathy,
offloading