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Podiatrify
Condition Library

Diabetic Foot

Diabetic Foot Ulceration

An open sore on the foot of a person with diabetes, usually from pressure they cannot feel.

Symptoms

  • Open wound
  • Callus with blood underneath
  • Drainage on socks

Risk factors

  • Neuropathy
  • Deformity
  • Prior ulcer
  • PAD

What usually helps

  • Offloading
  • Debridement
  • Infection control
  • Perfusion assessment
  • Moist wound care

When to see a podiatrist

Same or next day for any new wound.

Warning signs

  • • Black, blue, or gray skin
  • • Spreading redness or fever
  • • A wound with drainage or odor
Narrative reviewExpert OpinionDiabetic foot

Diabetic Foot Ulcers and Their Recurrence

New England Journal of Medicine · 2017

Population
People with diabetes and foot ulceration
Key result
Describes high rates of ulcer recurrence after healing and frames healed patients as being in remission.
Clinical relevance
Supports ongoing surveillance, footwear, and education after an ulcer heals.
Limitations
Review article, not primary data.
View source
Clinical practice guidelineStrong EvidenceDiabetic foot

Guidelines on the Prevention of Foot Ulcers in Persons with Diabetes (IWGDF 2023 Update)

Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews · 2024

Population
Persons with diabetes at risk of foot ulceration
Key result
Provides graded recommendations on screening, education, footwear, temperature monitoring, and foot care.
Clinical relevance
Primary reference for diabetic foot prevention pathways.
Limitations
Recommendation strength varies with underlying evidence.
View source

Podiatrify provides educational information and risk guidance and does not provide a medical diagnosis. Symptoms involving severe pain, rapidly spreading infection, black or blue tissue, major trauma, loss of circulation, or systemic illness may require urgent medical evaluation.