The pathophysiology of diabetic foot ulceration

Multiple mechanisms contribute to the etiopathogenesis of diabetic foot ulceration. Of these, neuropathy is probably the most important as a contributing factor, but it is the combination of neuropathy with other factors that leads to ulceration. Trauma in the neuropathic foot may be extrinsic, for example, in poorly fitting footwear, or intrinsic, for example, high foot pressures. These and other mechanisms are discussed in this article.