What is a foot ulcer?

An ulcer is a medical term for an open sore. Foot ulcers can take weeks or months to heal.

What causes foot ulcers?

  • Ill fitting footwear
  • Injury
  • Dry Skin
  • Walking barefoot
  • Poor foot hygiene

Foot deformity, reduced blood supply or nerve supply to the feet can increase the risk of foot ulcers. Occasionally foot ulcers can deteriorate and lead to severe infection, gangrene or amputation.

How are foot ulcers treated?

Following an assessment, a plan of treatment will be agreed between yourself and your podiatrist/nurse. This will include:

  • Regular dressing of your ulcer - there are many different kinds of ulcer dressings and your podiatrist/ nurse will suggest the best one for you.

  • Debridement where appropriate. Debridement is a term used to describe the removal of hard skin, or dead and infected tissue. It is not normally painful. Studies have shown that appropriate debridement of foot ulcers helps them to heal faster.

Following debridement the ulcer may appear bigger or may bleed but it will be a cleaner ulcer. The quickest way to debride ulcers is with a scalpel blade. If this is not appropriate a suitable dressing may be applied to encourage the ulcer to debride itself.

Importance of pressure relief

Pressure relief is an important part of your treatment plan. Any pressure exerted on your ulcer either from footwear or walking will slow down the healing process.

There are many different ways of taking pressure off your ulcer. You and your podiatrist can decide together which would be best for you.

Will I need special tests?

Sometimes tests may be necessary, these may include:

  • A swab from the ulcer to help identify bacteria which may be causing infection
  • Circulation tests on your legs and feet
  • Blood tests
  • X-ray or scan to determine if infection is in the bone

Do I need to take antibiotics?

You may need to take antibiotics but only if your ulcer is infected. You will receive individual advice if you develop infection.

How long do I need to take antibiotics for?

This could range from 7 days to several months depending on how deep the infection is. You will need to take your antibiotics regularly and complete the course.

Remember if you notice any change to your foot such as:

  • Swelling, redness or an increase in pain
  • Increase in the amount of fluid coming from the ulcer
  • If you develop hot or cold sweats or other flu- like symptoms

Dos and Don'ts

- Do rest your foot as much as possible, keeping your legs elevated.- Do (if you are diabetic) keep your blood glucose levels well controlled. This is very important to help healing take place.- Do give up smoking - ask your doctor, nurse or podiatrist for advice.- Do keep your dressing in place and keep it dry. If you have problems with your dressing contact your podiatrist/nurse.- Do use any special footwear/insoles you have been provided with.- Don’t sit or stand in one position for a long time. - Don’t sit too close to the fire or heater.- Don’t stop taking antibiotics in the middle of a course as it encourages the growth of super bugs. - Always consult your doctor first.

Contact your podiatrist, nurse or GP immediately as these symptoms may suggest an infection is present.

Blackburn with Darwen podiatry clinic locations

Barbara Castle Way Health Centre Simmons Street, Blackburn, BB2 1AX

Tel: 01254 612 826

Bentham Rd Health Centre

Bentham Road, Blackburn, BB2 4PN

Tel: 01254 617 461

Darwen Health Centre James Street West, Darwen, BB3 1PY

Tel: 01254 283 581

Podiatry Hub Tel: 01254 283 000

You can email Referral Management hub if you need to contact the team. 

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)

If you have some concerns, questions or need advice on our services, you can contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on 0800 234 6088 or contact The PALS Team via email.

Feeling low and need someone to talk to?

Call 0800 915 4640

Monday to Friday 7pm to 11pm Saturday to Sunday 12pm to Midnight

Need urgent help?

Call 0800 953 0110 24 hours a day, seven days a week

This leaflet is available in alternative languages and formats upon request. Please speak to a member of our staff to arrange this.