Are your leg ulcers not healing? Let's talk about these foot and toe ulcers!

Do you have a small wound or scrape on your leg that is not healing and is still there? Maybe it is oozing fluid? Or is the skin on your leg changing color and smelling bad? These are not normal wounds. In medical terms, we call these ulcers. Especially if you have diabetes, you should think twice about this. Because if this condition is not taken care of properly, it has a high chance of becoming serious. So, let's talk about it all today.

Simply put, what are foot ulcers?

A foot ulcer is simply an open sore on your skin, especially on your feet or toes, that doesn't heal, persists, or recurs.

This condition is often associated with diabetes. Neuropathy, a complication of diabetes, can cause loss of sensation in the feet. Then, you may not even notice a small scrape or cut on your foot. Even though you may not feel it, this small wound is what gradually grows larger and deeper and becomes an ulcer.

Consider this: About 15% of people with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer during their lifetime. And, unfortunately, between 14% and 24% of those who develop one will have to have part of their foot removed. So this is not something to be taken lightly.

Who is most likely to experience this condition?

Although anyone can develop foot ulcers, some people are at higher risk. It's important to be extra vigilant if you have any of the following conditions:

• Diabetes: This is the main risk factor.
• Circulatory problems: If blood flow to the legs is poor, wounds take longer to heal.
• Heart Disease: Heart disease also affects blood circulation.
• Obesity: As body weight increases, the pressure on the feet also increases.
• Kidney Disease.
• Foot deformities: For example, conditions like bunion or hammertoe.
• Tobacco and alcohol use: These habits also increase the risk.

What does this ulcer look like and what are its stages?

Foot ulcers can come in many shapes and colors. They usually have a deep, crater-like appearance.

Appearance and color of the ulcer

These lesions can be yellow, pink, red, gray, or black.If your wound is black, it means that the tissue cells in that area have died (Necrosis or Gangrene). This is a very serious condition.

The size and depth of the ulcer

These can start as small as a small bone and, if not treated properly, can grow to cover the entire foot. The depth of the wound also increases gradually. Doctors use different methods to measure this depth. For example, there are 6 stages according to the Wagner classification.

What are the early signs that an ulcer is forming?

As an ulcer begins to develop, you may notice changes in the skin on your foot like these:

• Dry, cracked skin
• Skin becoming like coral
• Skin redness
• Rash-like appearance

When the injury is more severe, symptoms such as:

• Thickening of the skin around the wound (like a callus)
• Fluid or pus-like discharge from the wound (may be on your sock)
• Brown spots on the skin
• A strong, foul odor

There are two main types of these foot ulcers:

There are two main types of ulcers that can affect your feet. Knowing the difference between the two is very important for treatment.

How is this treated?

The main goals of treatment are to heal the wound, reduce pain, and prevent it from recurring. The treatment plan will vary depending on the type of ulcer you have and the cause.

Nonsurgical Treatments

This treatment can be successful for ulcers in the early stages.

• Topical wound care: Wounds heal faster when they are kept moist and covered.
• Antibiotics: If there is an infection.
• Off-loading: The injury is relieved of weight by using special shoes, a cast, or perhaps a wheelchair.
• Keeping the foot elevated.

Surgical Treatments

If the ulcer is severe, especially if it is infected, surgery may be necessary.

• Debridement: Removal of infected or dead tissue.
• Skin grafts: Skin grafts are used to cover wounds.
• Removing or adjusting parts of the bones if necessary.

What can I do to reduce the risk?

This is the most important part. By following these habits, you can prevent these ulcers from forming, and even if they do form, they can stop them from coming back.

• Check your feet daily: After bathing and before putting on shoes, look carefully at the soles of your feet, between your toes, and around your nails. Look for blisters, cuts, cracks, redness, or swelling. Use a mirror to look at your feet. If you can't, ask a family member to do so.
• Manage your diabetes well: Follow your doctor's instructions exactly.
• Never walk barefoot, even inside the house.
• Wear shoes that fit you well and are comfortable. Shoes should not be too tight or too big.
• Be careful when cutting your nails: Cut your nails straight across when they are soft after bathing.
• Avoid smoking completely.
• Control blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• If you notice even the slightest problem, see your doctor immediately.