Diabetic Foot Ulcers and Sores

Experience compassionate, comprehensive podiatric treatment from our
board-certified physicians

Schedule Appointment

(724) 482-4192

30+ Years of Excellence

Serving the Butler area with exceptional podiatric care since 1994

Expert Physicians

Four board-certified podiatrists with extensive surgical experience

Emergency Care

Serving the Butler area with exceptional podiatric care since 1994

Diabetic foot ulcers are open wounds that develop on the feet of patients with diabetes, most often on the bottom of the foot, the toes, or areas where pressure and friction are concentrated. They are one of the most serious complications of diabetes and the leading cause of lower extremity amputations in the United States. The good news is that with prompt, expert care, the great majority of diabetic ulcers can be healed and future ulcers prevented. At Family Foot Care in Butler, PA, our podiatrists are highly experienced in the comprehensive management of diabetic foot ulcers.

Learn More

Most diabetic ulcers form because of a combination of factors: peripheral neuropathy that prevents the patient from feeling injuries, poor circulation that slows healing, foot deformities that create areas of high pressure, and skin changes that make the tissue more vulnerable. A small blister from a new pair of shoes, a stepped-on object that went unnoticed because of nerve damage, or a pressure point under a hammertoe can quickly progress to a deep wound that exposes underlying tendon or bone. Once an ulcer forms, it provides a direct entry point for bacteria, and infection can spread rapidly in tissue that has limited blood flow.

Our approach to diabetic ulcers is methodical and aggressive. We begin with a careful examination of the wound, the surrounding skin, the patient's circulation, and the underlying foot structure. We classify the ulcer by size, depth, and infection status, and when needed we order vascular studies, X-rays, advanced imaging, or laboratory tests to evaluate for bone infection. Cultures help guide appropriate antibiotic selection if infection is present.

Treatment is multifaceted. Debridement, the removal of dead and unhealthy tissue, is performed regularly in the office and is essential for healing. We select advanced wound dressings tailored to the wound's specific needs, ranging from collagen and silver-based products to skin substitutes and growth factor therapies. Offloading — taking pressure off the wound — is absolutely critical and may be accomplished with total contact casts, removable walking boots, custom shoes, or surgical procedures to correct the underlying deformity. We aggressively treat infection with appropriate antibiotics and, when necessary, work closely with infectious disease and vascular specialists.

Once the ulcer heals, our work continues. The risk of a new ulcer is high, so we emphasize preventive care including diabetic shoes, custom inserts, regular podiatric visits, and patient education. For wounds that prove difficult to heal despite our best efforts, we offer access to advanced therapies and refer to wound care centers when appropriate. Our highest priority is saving limbs and preserving function, and our team is committed to walking with patients every step of the way.