Foot problems that develop in people who have diabetes (ex. ingrown toenails, calluses, corns) should be treated promptly by a podiatrist. In some diabetes cases, the body does not produce substances that are necessary to promote the healing process.
Treatment for foot sores or ulcers that do not heal properly due to poor circulation may involve a vessel bypass. Blocked blood vessels (i.e., atherosclerosis) can be bypassed with a blood vessel graft. Improved circulation promotes healing.
In some cases, a skin graft may be performed. In this procedure, a piece of skin is surgically removed from a healthy part of the body and used to cover the wound. However, skin grafts on the soles of the feet can be problematic because if the cause of the wound is not corrected, the wound can recur. For example, if the wound is caused by a bony prominence in the foot, padding the area is necessary to prevent the wound from recurring.
In patients with diabetes, an infected wound is a medical emergency. Signs of infection include the following:
- Blood sugar that is difficult to control or that requires a higher than normal dosage of insulin
- Discharge (pus) that oozes from the wound
- Excessive sugar in the urine
- Fever
- Redness
- Swelling
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