Diabetic foot ulcers: current concepts

Abstract

Foot ulcerations and their sequelae remain a major source of morbidity for patients with diabetes mellitus. Often leading to infection, osteomyelitis, or gangrene, these lesions have consistently been ascertained as significant risk factors for subsequent lower extremity amputation. Hence education, appropriate foot care, and early intervention have assumed important roles in programs focused on amputation prevention. Multidisciplinary cooperation has been demonstrated as the most successful approach to the management and prevention of foot lesions in patients with diabetes. This article reviews the epidemiology, current understanding of the underlying pathophysiology, and treatment rationale for diabetic foot ulcerations. Such knowledge is essential in the overall management of these complicated patients and, when incorporated into daily practice, can significantly reduce the incidence and morbidity of foot disease in diabetes.