Caring for the diabetic patient with a foot ulcer

Neuropathy is the most common complication of diabetes. Those patients with diabetic foot ulceration on the plantar, medial and lateral surfaces of the foot will almost all have clinically significant peripheral neuropathy. The diabetic ulcer is a significant healthcare problem and inadequate or improper therapy may lead to amputation. Therefore, an understanding of foot pathology associated with diabetes is essential for anyone who will be caring for diabetic patients. Equally important is an understanding of how to prevent these life-threatening wounds and at least a basic knowledge of wound healing in hard-to-heal foot ulceration. This article provides a basic understanding of the pathology and describes preventative techniques.