Information on Diabetic Leg Ulcers

About 15 to 25 percent of leg ulcers occur in diabetic patients. Leg ulcers of the skin are open sores, typically found on the legs or feet.

Causes

• Ulcers occur when skin is pressed against a firm surface (from being immobile or even from wearing tight shoes for extended period of time) which reduces blood circulation to the area, and causing damage to the skin.

The Diabetic Patient

• Diabetic patients are at an increased risk for developing ulcers of the feet or leg because the disease itself typically causes nerve damage, so patients may not be fully aware their extremities are being compressed too much or rubbing back and forth. Once a sore does develop, they may not even be able to feel it.

Location

• Diabetic ulcers are located more frequently on heels, tips or toes, between toes, or anywhere bones protrude or rub against something.

Treatment

• Treatment of diabetic leg ulcers vary greatly depending in the degree of injury, location and underlying factors. Treatments range from antibiotics (to treat infection), wound cleaning and regularly dressings, and rarely, surgical intervention with skin grafts.

Prevention/Solution

• Diabetic patients should be made aware of the risks and preventive measures they should take to avoid leg ulcers. These include exercise to keep blood flowing, loose socks and shoes, daily skin inspections, wriggling of the toes when sitting, not crossing, and avoiding extreme temperatures.