Understanding Diabetic Wounds on Your Feet

Not many people understand how diabetes can affect their feet to such a severe extent. But today, we at Goldsmith Podiatry will be going over diabetic wounds and how chronically high blood sugar could make people so prone to them. From cuts and scrapes to ulcers and infections, we’ll explain what diabetic wounds are, why they happen, and what the consequences are if you leave them alone.

What Are Diabetic Wounds?

Let’s define wounds. They are diabetic ulcers that are deep, open sores that develop on the skin. But contrary to popular belief, what we consider "diabetic wounds" also includes other issues like persistent blisters, cuts, or thick calluses that break down and expose the tissue underneath. These wounds are particularly concerning because of diabetics' decreased immune responses.

Why Diabetic Wounds Occur

But why do diabetic foot wounds happen? First and foremost is nerve damage and the peripheral neuropathy it causes. This loss of sensation in the feet means you may not feel a small cut, a blister from ill-fitting shoes, or even the pressure of a seam in your sock. And without the warning signal of pain, these minor injuries go unnoticed and worsen.

Poor circulation and Peripheral Artery Disease are also at play.  Narrowed arteries, reduced blood flow to the feet – this combination severely impairs the wound healing process.

Finally, structural changes in the feet (like bunions or hammertoes) create abnormal pressure points. When sensation is lost, these areas rub or press against footwear without detection, and the skin eventually breaks down into an ulcer – all without you realizing it.

The Most Common Types of Wounds

Diabetic ulcers are broadly categorized by their primary cause, and knowing the difference can help in treatment:

• Neuropathic Ulcers: These are the most common type and are caused by pressure and friction in a foot with nerve damage. They typically form on pressure points like the ball of the foot, heels, or toes, and are often painless, which is their most dangerous characteristic.

• Ischemic Ulcers: These are caused by poor circulation. They usually appear on the toes or heels and may be very painful, with the surrounding skin looking pale or black.

• Neuro-ischemic Ulcers: Many ulcers are a combination of both nerve damage and poor circulation, which presents the dangers of both types.

Your feet are more than just your foundation—they're messengers of your overall health. If you notice any of the symptoms above, don’t wait. Contact Goldsmith Podiatry today at (212) 877-1002 to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Howard Goldsmith, Dr. Rosanna Troia, or Dr. Kristina T. Ruff. We're here to help you stay one step ahead of foot-related health problems—because healthy feet support a healthy you.