Diabetic Foot Ulcer
Typical recovery: 4 - 12 weeks
Overview
Diabetic foot ulcers arise from neuropathy, poor circulation and infection. Timely debridement, offloading, glycaemic control and appropriate dressings give the wound the best chance of healing. Early assessment matters, because delay increases the risk of deeper infection and tissue loss.
Signs & symptoms
- A wound or blister that does not heal
- Numbness or tingling in the feet
- Foul-smelling discharge
- Black or discoloured skin over toes
How assessment and treatment are planned
- 1
Vascular and neuropathy assessment
- 2
Wound debridement and culture-guided antibiotics
- 3
Advanced dressings, NPWT or skin grafting where required
- 4
Footwear correction and long-term follow-up