How to Heal Midfoot Ulcers

Midfoot ulcers are an extremely painful condition that can affect people with diabetes. Midfoot ulcers are often itchy, and individuals suffering from these ulcers will sometimes experience either a burning sensation or pain. They can be red or brown and look like holes with rough, calloused edges. Midfoot ulcers are prone to infection and can even lead to lower-limb amputation. If you or someone you know is suffering from midfoot ulcers, a few treatment methods will help heal the ulcers.

Things You'll Need

• Clean bandages
• Clean socks
• New shoes
• Vitamins

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Instructions

• 1

  Stay off your feet until the ulcer heals. Relieving your feet of some of their weight burden will do wonders for you. Many midfoot ulcers do not heal well or completely because the afflicted foot is never given a chance to recover. Take some time off work, and rest your feet to help heal midfoot ulcers that are caught quickly. You can also visit your doctor and get a pair of crutches. Crutches will help alleviate some of the pressure that prevents a midfoot ulcer from healing.

• 2

  Keep your foot well bandaged while you rest, and find a new pair of shoes. Bandaging your feet and wearing clean, dry socks will help avoid infections that will hinder the healing process. Also, wearing the same pair of shoes as when you initially noticed the ulcer could possibly lead to more ulcers. It is safest to invest in a new pair of shoes while you are trying to heal your ulcer.

• 3

  Review your diet and vitamin intake. Vitamin deficiency often causes midfoot ulcers in people with or without diabetes. If you feel as though you should be getting enough vitamins to avoid midfoot ulcers, follow up with your doctor. Blood work may be needed to isolate the deficiency and correct it.

• 4

  If the ulcer does not appear to be healing after three days of rest and proper care, consult a doctor. In some cases, surgery may be needed to increase blood flow or to treat an infection. In others, a cast could help avoid infection and give a midfoot ulcer adequate time to heal.