A diabetic foot ulcer is essential a “hole” or breakdown that develops in the skin of the foot in those with diabetes. They occur when the pressure on the area to so high for a period of time that the skin just breaks down and then the poor circulation results in an inadequate healing of the ulcer.
While the cause is the prolonged higher pressure there are a number of underlying factors that increase the risk of the diabetic foot ulcer occurring. These include poor glycaemic control, calluses and corns, foot deformities (eg bunion, hammer toe), improper foot care, ill-fitting footwear, peripheral neuropathy and poor circulation.
