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.

• Chair side offloading – Felt pads, simple insole or digital props,
• Bespoke insoles or footwear,
• Specialist sandals or boots,
• Pressure relieving boots and cushions.
 

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

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

Chorley, South Ribble and Preston podiatry clinic locations

Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm

  • Monday, Brookfield Health Centre, 01772 777 474
  • Tuesday, Bamber Bridge Clinic, 01772 644 676
  • Wednesday, Ashton Health Centre, 01772 777 160
  • Thursday, Chorley Health Centre, 01772 644 700
  • Friday, Penwortham Clinic, 01772 644 151
     
  • Ashton Health Centre, Pedders Lane, Ashton-on-Ribble, Preston, PR2 1HR - 01772 777 175
  • Bamber Bridge Clinic, Brindle Road, Bamber Bridge, Preston, PR5 6RN - 01772 644 676
  • Brookfield Clinic, 19 Croasdale Avenue, Brookfield, Preston - 01772 777 492
  • Chorley Health Centre, Collison Avenue, Chorley, PR7 2TH - 01772 644 700
  • Fulwood Clinic, 4 Lytham Road, Fulwood, Preston, PR2 8JB - 01772 777 241
  • Geoffrey Street Clinic, Geoffrey Street, Preston, PR1 5NE - 01772 777 308
  • Leyland Clinic, Yewlands Drive, Leyland, Lancashire, PR25 2TN - 01772 644 100
  • Minerva Centre, Lowthope Road, Deepdale, Preston, PR1 6SB - 01772 777 600
  • St Marys Health Centre, Cop Lane, Penwortham, PR1 0SR - 01772 644 151

Service users resources and support

Housing – for support and advice with housing 
Preston – 01772 906412
Chorley – 0125 7515151

Benefits advice – your condition may entitle you to additional benefit payments or reductions in payments.

Health and lifestyle – lifestyle has a significant impact on the ability for the body to recover.

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 email the PALS Team.

Need mental health support?

Call 0800 953 0110 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or call NHS 111, selecting option 2.

Text support can be reached by messaging Shout, which is a free, confidential and 24/7 texting service. Simply text ‘Shout’ to 85258. Further support is available through Kooth offering self-help resources, online messaging and support for young people aged 11 to 25. 

Additionally, the Hub of Hope provides a directory of mental health support and services across the UK.

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