Must-Read for Patients with Diabetes: Tips to Spot and Stop Foot Ulcers

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For people who are not diabetic, simple cuts and scrapes are typically no big deal. But for those living with diabetes, these minor injuries can quickly escalate into a major problem. Dr. William Buffone of North Fork Podiatry/Three Village Podiatry sometimes treats patients whose diabetic foot ulcers don’t heal, leading to amputation. So today he’s sharing some tips for spotting and stopping these wounds.

The most important step in preventing diabetic foot ulcers is a daily examination of the feet. When doing so, it’s important to look for any skin openings such as wounds or cuts that can lead to infection.


How do diabetic foot ulcers develop?


Ulcers on the feet have visible warning signs that include:

  • Staining or drainage on the socks;

  • Callous buildup;

  • Sore spots on the knuckles of the toes;

  • Redness that is still visible after removing your footwear;

  • Irritation between the toes.


Here are 3 potential complications from diabetes that can affect the feet.

  • Nerve damage (neuropathy), which causes a loss of feeling in the toes and other areas of the foot. In many cases, patients don’t even know that they have a cut or raw spot because they can’t feel it.

  • Foot tendons tighten, resulting in deformities such as hammertoes.

  • Blood vessels lose their elasticity which slows down circulation. This causes wounds to last longer because they aren’t receiving the blood that is needed for healing.

Preventing Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Footwear: Ask your podiatrist about prescription diabetic shoes that include features not found in regular footwear.

These features include:

  • Additional width and depth to accommodate bones and toes that shift;

  • Mesh that provides breathability;

  • Soft soles and material.


    Moisturize: Cleanse feet daily using antibacterial soap and apply a moisturizing lotion to prevent flaking and cracking. (But don’t apply between the toes!)

    Checkups: Don’t become complacent because you think your diabetes is under control. Your feet should be checked by a podiatrist at least once or twice a year. Waiting days or even a week to have an open foot wound examined is too long.

If you have diabetes and it’s been some time since you’ve had a checkup, contact the office of Dr. William Buffone of North Fork Podiatry/Three Village Podiatry right away to schedule an appointment.

You can reach Three Village Podiatry at (631) 474-3338, North Fork Podiatry (Southold) at (631) 765-6777 or North Fork Podiatry (Riverhead) at (631) 419-7107 or schedule your appointment online.

Blog, Foot Problems, North Fork PodiatryNorth Fork Podiatry & Three Village Podiatryfoot ulcers, calluses, healthy feet