Foot Ulcers

Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers

Podiatrists & Foot & Ankle Surgeons located in Arlington, TX & Mansfield, TX

Foot ulcers often seem to develop out of the blue. When a minor cut fails to heal, the surrounding tissues may suddenly break down, leaving an open wound. The experienced doctors at Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers encourage you to seek early treatment because untreated foot ulcers put you at risk for a serious infection. To schedule an appointment, use the online booking feature or call one of the offices in Arlington or Mansfield, Texas.

Foot Ulcers Q & A

What causes foot ulcers?

Foot ulcers begin when poor circulation prevents cuts, blisters, and other wounds from healing. As a result, the skin breaks down, exposing the underlying tissues and making them vulnerable to infection.

The two most common causes of foot ulcers are poorly controlled diabetes, which can damage small blood vessels, and arterial disease in your legs. Both conditions reduce the blood flow in your feet, depriving them of oxygen and nutrients needed to heal wounds.

You have a higher chance of developing a foot ulcer if you have nerve damage, a foot deformity like a bunion or hammertoe, or heart disease. Smoking also increases your risk because it significantly interferes with wound healing.

What symptoms develop due to foot ulcers?

The earliest signs of a foot ulcer may appear as a minor cut or blister. When it doesn’t heal and the wound worsens, you may develop symptoms such as:

Open sore
Drainage from the sore
Noticeable odor
Swelling and redness
Black tissue around the sore

Though you’d expect a foot ulcer to be painful, you may not feel any discomfort if you have peripheral nerve damage such as diabetic retinopathy.

How can I prevent foot ulcers?

If you’re at risk for a foot ulcer due to diabetes or blood vessel disease, you can prevent a foot ulcer by examining your feet every day and getting treatment from the team at Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers at the first sign of a cut, blister, redness, or swelling.

The American Diabetes Association also recommends getting an annual foot exam even if you don’t have any obvious problems.

How are foot ulcers treated?

Early treatment is essential because foot ulcer infections can easily spread to cause a serious bone infection. More than 80% of amputations start with foot ulcers.

No matter what underlying problem causes your foot ulcer, the doctors at Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers develop an individualized treatment plan that may include:

Lowering your blood sugar (if you’re diabetic)
Prescription orthotics to relieve pressure on the ulcer
Diabetic shoes to prevent rubbing or irritation
Wound cleaning to remove dead and infected tissue
Medications and dressing to inhibit bacteria and promote healing
Off-loading using footgear, a brace, or casting to take pressure off the ulcer

Call Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers or book an appointment online at the first sign of a foot wound or ulcer.

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