Also known as diabetes foot ulcer, foot sore in diabetes.
This page is general health information, not a diagnosis. Always consult a licensed clinician about your own health.
Overview
Diabetic foot problems happen because long-standing high sugar damages the nerves (so injuries go unnoticed) and the blood vessels (so wounds heal poorly). A small cut or blister can quietly become a deep ulcer or infection, and delayed care is a leading cause of amputation among people with diabetes. Daily foot checks prevent most disasters.
Symptoms
Numbness, tingling or burning in the feet
Loss of feeling — injuries that do not hurt
A sore, blister or ulcer that will not heal
Foot swelling, redness or warmth
Discharge or odour from a wound
Blackening of a toe or area of skin (emergency)
Causes & risk factors
Nerve damage from prolonged high blood sugar
Poor circulation to the feet
Minor injuries from tight shoes, barefoot walking or hot water
Poor glucose control slowing healing
Treatment & self-care
Inspect your feet daily, wash and dry them carefully, moisturise dry skin, never walk barefoot and wear well-fitting covered shoes. Any wound, however small, needs prompt professional wound care plus tight sugar control; infections require prescribed antibiotics and sometimes surgical cleaning. Do not soak wounds in hot water or apply unproven home remedies.
See a doctor urgently if
Any foot wound in a diabetic — within 24 hours
Redness, swelling, warmth or pus around a wound
A wound with fever
Any area of skin or toe turning dark or black
Frequently asked questions
What are the first signs of Diabetic Foot?
Early signs often include numbness, tingling or burning in the feet, loss of feeling — injuries that do not hurt, a sore, blister or ulcer that will not heal. Symptoms vary from person to person, so a proper assessment by a doctor is the only way to be sure.
Can Diabetic Foot be treated?
Inspect your feet daily, wash and dry them carefully, moisturise dry skin, never walk barefoot and wear well-fitting covered shoes. Any wound, however small, needs prompt professional wound care plus tight sugar control; infections require prescribed antibiotics and sometimes surgical cleaning. Do not soak wounds in hot water or apply unproven home remedies.
When should I see a doctor about Diabetic Foot?
See a doctor promptly if you notice: any foot wound in a diabetic — within 24 hours; redness, swelling, warmth or pus around a wound; a wound with fever; any area of skin or toe turning dark or black.