Foot Ulcers
What are ulcers?
An ulcer is a break in the skin that fails to heal and is often accompanied by inflammation and/or an infection.
Who is at risk from them?
- Elderly people
- People taking certain medication e.g. steroids
- People with diabetes
- Rheumatoid arthritis sufferers
- People with poor circulation
- People with a lack of sensation in their feet (neuropathy)
How do they occur?
- Damage to the skin e.g. burn or a cut
- Build up of hard skin
- External pressure from shoes etc
Preventing ulcers
1. Maintain circulation to feet by :
- Avoiding tight shoes and hosiery
- Avoiding extremes of temperature
- If advised to do so, wear support stockings and socks
- Putting feet up for a short period during the day to prevent fluid retention
2. Protect legs and feet from trauma.
3. Visit a chiropodist or podiatrist regularly so they can check feet and remove any corns and callus.
4. Check feet and legs daily for any changes such as colour, leaking or swelling in the skin. If this occurs contact your doctor or podiatrist.
5. Get shoes measured and fitted by a registered shoe fitter. Wear in new shoes gradually.
6. Look after feet daily by:
- Washing and drying feet thoroughly
- Applying moisturising cream
- Checking inside the shoes
- Checking bath water temperature with your elbow
What to do if you suspect an ulcer or the skin becomes broken
1. Make sure the area is clean, by bathing the area in warm salty water (a tablespoon of salt to a pint of warm water).
2. If the area is inflamed, red or you suspect some dirt may still be present apply an antiseptic.
3. Do not attempt to remove any hard skin or embedded dirt yourself.
4. Apply a dry dressing, for example melolin, over the area. This will help to prevent further infection.
5. Apply a new dressing every day, keeping it dry.
6. Seek medical advice as quickly as possible. If there is any hard skin over an ulcer this needs to be removed by a chiropodist or podiatrist. This allows any pus to drain and aid the healing process.
How can Podiatric Biomechanics help?
A podiatrist can help identify the cause of excessive pressure and friction, which often facilitates ulcers on the feet. Once identified there are a number of physical therapies that can help reduce the pressure and friction to promote healing and prevent ulcers reappearing.