Ulcers are sores that occur when pressure cuts off the blood supply to the skin. They form in areas of increased force and friction. The stress of body weight, the impact of walking, bony deformity and poorly fitting shoes place the ball of the foot, the heel and the big toe at great risk. Health problems such as diabetes, poor circulation, neuropathy, high blood pressure, kidney disease, poor nutrition, smoking and obesity increase your risks for developing an ulcer.

Friction causes the skin to thicken, forming a callous. If the skin keeps thickening, the callous presses up into the foot killing healthy tissue and causing pain. As the skin dies, an open wound forms and allows infection to enter the body.

An infected ulcer may drain, bleed and develop a bad odor. It is very important to recognize these signs and contact your podiatrist immediately.

Preventing ulcers is much easier than healing them.

• Inspect your feet daily for any “hot spots” or pressure areas.
• Have your shoes professionally fitted and consider diabetics shoes if necessary.
• Visit your podiatrist to take care of any cracks, blisters, callouses or corns.
• Consider having foot deformities suc as hammertoes or bunions corrected if they frequently become inflamed.

Alexandra Buk, DPM

Arkansas Foot Clinic takes care of foot problems, foot pain

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