Foot Ulcers in a Person with Diabetes

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

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A foot ulcer can be redness over a bony area or an open sore. The ulcer can develop anywhere on your foot or toes. Ulcers usually develop on the bottom of the foot. You may not know you have an ulcer until you notice drainage on your sock. Drainage is fluid that may be yellow, brown, or red. The fluid may also contain pus or blood.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

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An IV

is a small tube placed in your vein that is used to give you medicine or liquids.

Antibiotics

help treat a bacterial infection.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Tests:

• Blood tests may show an infection.
• An ankle brachial index test may show how well blood flows to your feet.
• A monofilament test may show nerve damage in your feet. A healthcare provider presses a small wire against the bottoms of your feet.
• A tissue, drainage, or bone sample may be taken from the ulcer to check for infection. These samples help providers find the best treatment for your foot ulcer.
• An x-ray, ultrasound, CT, or MRI may show the infection and how deep it is. You may be given contrast liquid to help the ulcer show up better in the pictures. Tell the healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid. Do not enter the MRI room with anything metal. Metal can cause serious injury. Tell the healthcare provider if you have any metal in or on your body.

Treatment:

• Debridement (removal) of dead tissue may be done in and around your foot ulcer. This procedure may be done in your hospital room.
• A bandage will be placed over the ulcer to help keep the area moist and free from infection. The bandage may contain medicines to help the ulcer heal and prevent growth of unhealthy tissue.
• Taking the pressure off the area can help it heal. Healthcare providers may use cushions or braces, or custom foot wear may be ordered. You may be asked to stay in bed or use a wheelchair or crutches. These devices help decrease the amount of weight and pressure placed on your foot.
• Wound care may be used if other treatments do not work. Wound care may include any of the following:
  • Biophysical therapy applies heat, laser, light, or electrical stimulation to your foot ulcer. This may help reduce inflammation and pain, increase blood flow, and promote wound healing.
  • Autologous blood products are treatments made from your own blood to create a clot or gel. The clot or gel contains proteins to help the wound heal.
  • Acellular matrix tissues are natural materials such as animal skin. These tissues are used to give a support structure for new cells to grow.
  • Cellular treatments are made from living cells from a donor. The cells release substances to reduce inflammation and help new tissue grow.
  • Stem cell treatment uses your own stem cells, or stem cells from a donor. Stem cells can change into different types of cells that the body can use to heal. They also provide nutrients and oxygen to the wound.
• Surgery may be needed if you have an infection and decreased blood flow to your foot.

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• gabapentin
• Qutenza
• L-Carnitine
• Carnitor
• Carnitor SF

View more treatment options

RISKS:

The ulcer may not heal, or it may become infected. The infection may spread to your organs or blood. An infected foot ulcer can be life-threatening. Tissue death that is not treated can make your foot or leg start to turn black. You may need an amputation if this happens.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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