What Does an Early-Stage Diabetic Foot Ulcer Look Like?

How does an early-stage Diabetic Foot Ulcer appear?

Diabetes is a metabolic disease primarily caused by high blood sugar levels. According to a WHO (World Health Organisation) report, approximately 77 million people in India above 18 years of age suffer from type 2 diabetes. The report also states that more than 50% of people are completely unaware of the fact that they are diabetic.

When the pancreas does not produce sufficient insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar, or the body is unable to effectively use the insulin, diabetes occurs. People with chronic diabetes often have reduced blood flow, which results in neuropathy or nerve damage, leading to foot ulcers.

What is a Foot Ulcer?

A foot ulcer is an open wound or a type of infection in the foot that does not heal or recur. People with diabetes are prone to this type of ulcer. Poor blood circulation, nerve damage and foot deformities are some of the vital reasons for foot ulcers.

What are the Symptoms of Early Stage Diabetic Foot Ulcers?

Foot ulcers are the most common problem people with diabetes suffer from. According to research, around 15% of patients with diabetes have a chance of getting foot ulcers. At an early stage, foot ulcers look like small, crater-like red sores in thickened, calloused skin. Here are some of the symptoms:

• Sudden infection that leads to frequent bleeding from the feet or toes.
• Nerve damage interferes with blood circulation.
• Cuts, sores or blisters occur consistently, changing the appearance of foot skin or toes.
• Fluid or pus discharges with a foul smell.
• Swelling and discolouration.
• Extreme pain or numbness in the foot.
• A painless lump on the foot.
• Fever, chills and elevated heart rate.

What are the Probable Causes of Diabetic Foot Ulcers?

The following are some of the reasons why people have diabetic foot ulcers:

• High glucose levels are especially problematic among people suffering from type 2 diabetes.
• Poor blood circulation or Peripheral artery disease (PAD) creates vascular disease where blood does not flow properly to the feet.
• Neuropathy or damage to the nerves often creates numbness. Sometimes, it leads to amputation.

Diagnosis of Early-Stage Diabetic Foot Ulcer

Here are a few ways to diagnose the early-stage diabetic foot ulcer:

1. Blood Tests

When swelling and redness occur in the foot, toe or toenails, healthcare professionals check for existing tingling sensations or numbness. This might determine if there is any abnormality in the blood circulation. In addition, they check for cuts, infections, blisters or scratches on the skin. Blood tests are the best way to screen such issues.

2. MRIs

An uneven gait or a deviated walking pattern could lead to foot ulcers. When a type 2 diabetic patient faces issues like nerve damage, their balance is hampered. To determine the extent of the damage, healthcare providers suggest patients do an MRI.

3. X Rays

X-rays provide information regarding a misalignment in the foot bone, which might contribute to foot ulcers. These images also show if there is any bone mass loss or hormonal imbalance caused by diabetes.  

Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcer

Diabetic foot ulcer is a serious concern since it aggravates a patient's condition. The following are some popular treatment methods for diabetic foot ulcers:

1. Debridement

Debridement, where medical professionals remove dead tissues from the skin, is one of the best ways to treat early diabetic foot ulcers. This is necessary since debris interferes with the healing process. Debridement not only helps reduce infection but also hastens the overall healing.

2. Offloading

Offloading is best for patients suffering from interrupted blood circulation. It relieves pressure from the affected area in the food to promote the healing process. Doctors use removable cast walkers and total contact casts (TCCS) for offloading.

Foot ulcers are common in people suffering from chronic diabetes. In addition, people with existing kidney and heart disease are also at high risk. So, first of all, maintain your blood sugar levels by having a healthy lifestyle. Visit a healthcare professional as soon as you see unexplained swelling, numbness and recurring infection on your foot or toes.