Foot Ulcer/ Wound
What is an ulcer?
An ulcer is a break in the skin which results in an opening or hole. In the foot, this usually occurs because of improperly fitting shoes, bony deformities or secondary to skin conditions such as a callus, corn, blister, crack, cut, scrape or peeling/ flaky skin. When shoes are too tight, the sides, top or seams can press on the skin and wear it away. Shoes that are too loose cause the feet to slide back and forth and rub the skin down. Callus, corns and blisters may form from shoes that do not fit the foot well before turning into an ulcer. Bony deformities such as a bunion, hammer toe or a dropped metatarsal cause the skin over the bone to take on more pressure than usual, which can wear away the skin. When skin problems are not treated quickly and properly, the skin can continue to break down and form an ulcer.
Those with decreased feeling in their feet, such as diabetics who have diabetic neuropathy, are prone to ulceration. Often they cannot feel pain and are, therefore, unaware of any skin problems (for example a crack), pressure and rubbing of their feet. An opening in the skin can go unnoticed for a long period of time and become enlarged and infected.
For more information on diabetic neuropathy, please look under “Nerve Conditions.”
How can a Chiropodist help?
A Chiropodist can education someone on how to prevent ulcers from forming, give advice on properly fitting footwear, treat any primary skin conditions that may lead to an ulcer (ex. blisters and cracks), perform diabetic foot care, debride (cut off dead skin) the ulcer, choose proper dressings to cover the ulcer with, take pressure off the ulcer, determine what is causing the ulcer and decrease or remove the problem and prescribe an antibiotic if necessary.
The information provided is intended for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for a proper medical evaluation. Treatment options will vary from person to person.
An ulcer is a break in the skin which results in an opening or hole. In the foot, this usually occurs because of improperly fitting shoes, bony deformities or secondary to skin conditions such as a callus, corn, blister, crack, cut, scrape or peeling/ flaky skin. When shoes are too tight, the sides, top or seams can press on the skin and wear it away. Shoes that are too loose cause the feet to slide back and forth and rub the skin down. Callus, corns and blisters may form from shoes that do not fit the foot well before turning into an ulcer. Bony deformities such as a bunion, hammer toe or a dropped metatarsal cause the skin over the bone to take on more pressure than usual, which can wear away the skin. When skin problems are not treated quickly and properly, the skin can continue to break down and form an ulcer.
Those with decreased feeling in their feet, such as diabetics who have diabetic neuropathy, are prone to ulceration. Often they cannot feel pain and are, therefore, unaware of any skin problems (for example a crack), pressure and rubbing of their feet. An opening in the skin can go unnoticed for a long period of time and become enlarged and infected.
For more information on diabetic neuropathy, please look under “Nerve Conditions.”
How can a Chiropodist help?
A Chiropodist can education someone on how to prevent ulcers from forming, give advice on properly fitting footwear, treat any primary skin conditions that may lead to an ulcer (ex. blisters and cracks), perform diabetic foot care, debride (cut off dead skin) the ulcer, choose proper dressings to cover the ulcer with, take pressure off the ulcer, determine what is causing the ulcer and decrease or remove the problem and prescribe an antibiotic if necessary.
The information provided is intended for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for a proper medical evaluation. Treatment options will vary from person to person.
