Why Early Care of Diabetic Foot Ulcers Can Save Your Limb — and Your Life
Diabetes affects more than 34 million Americans — and one of its most serious, yet often overlooked, complications is the development of diabetic foot ulcers. At MANA Foot & Ankle Clinic, we see firsthand how early detection and specialized care can make the difference between healing and life-altering complications.

Understanding the risks, warning signs, and the importance of early treatment can help protect your feet — and your future.

How Common Are Diabetic Foot Ulcers?
Diabetic foot ulcers are unfortunately very common:

1 in 4 people with diabetes (25%) will develop a foot ulcer during their lifetime.
With over 34 million Americans living with diabetes, millions are at risk every year.
These ulcers often begin silently — a small blister, callus, or cut that goes unnoticed and slowly worsens.

Why Do Diabetic Foot Ulcers Develop?
Foot ulcers form because several diabetes-related problems occur together:

Neuropathy — nerve damage reduces sensation, so injuries go unnoticed
Poor circulation — slows healing and limits the body’s ability to fight infection
Foot deformities or pressure points — cause repetitive skin breakdown
Impaired immune response — infections spread faster and are harder to control
Without early care, what starts as a minor wound can become a serious infection in a short time.

How Serious Are They?
The consequences of untreated diabetic foot ulcers can be devastating:

85% of diabetes-related lower-extremity amputations begin as foot ulcers
Every 20 seconds, someone worldwide loses a limb due to diabetes complications
After a major amputation, 5-year mortality rates exceed 50% — higher than many cancers, including breast and prostate cancer
This is why diabetic foot care is not just about feet — it’s about preserving quality of life and survival.

Why Healing Is Challenging
Diabetic foot ulcers are notoriously difficult to heal:

50% do not heal within 12 months without specialized wound care
Recurrence is common:
40% recur within 1 year
65% recur within 3 years
This means ongoing monitoring and preventive care are essential — even after a wound closes.

Why Early Wound Care Matters
The good news? Most amputations are preventable.

Early, aggressive treatment can prevent 80–90% of amputations
A multidisciplinary approach — involving podiatry, vascular care, infectious disease, endocrinology, and primary care — significantly reduces complications and improves healing
At MANA Foot & Ankle Clinic, we specialize in identifying high-risk feet, treating wounds early, and coordinating care when more advanced treatment is needed.

When Should You Seek Care?
If you have diabetes, contact a foot and ankle specialist immediately if you notice:

Any open sore, blister, cut, or drainage on your foot
Redness, swelling, warmth, or odor
Blackened tissue or changes in skin color
Increased pain — or no pain at all, which can be a warning sign of neuropathy
Even small changes deserve prompt evaluation.

Protect Your Feet — and Your Future
Diabetic foot ulcers are common, serious, and dangerous — but with early care and expert management, most limb loss is preventable.

If you or a loved one has diabetes, regular foot exams and prompt wound treatment can save a limb — and a life.

Source: https://mana.md/diabetic-foot-ulcers/