Diabetes Foot Ulcer

Poor circulation leads to motor neuropathy, which results in weakness and wasting of the muscles of the foot. Due to weakness, the structure of the foot changes. Foot deformities (hammertoes, claw toes, loss of plantar arches, Charcots joint deformity, foot drop, etc) lead to a change in pressure distribution during standing and walking and may contribute to the development of diabetes foot ulcers. In combination with decreased sensation and swelling of the foot due to peripheral vascular disease, the risk for serious complications is high. The risk of foot amputation is higher for people with diabetes than for any other group.

- Age >40 years
- Diabetes > 10 years
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- Previous foot ulcers
- Decreased sensitivity (neuropathy)
- Structural deformity
- Peripheral vascular disease
- Foot infection
- Inability to perform self-foot care and/or limited accessibility to foot care services
- Kidney transplant

Diabetes is the most common reason for lower-extremity amputation in North America, but it may be preventable with good foot-care practices. Speak to your health care professional as to what you can do to lower your risk of diabetes foot ulcer.