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Diabetic Foot Care, Wounds & Circulation

Foot Ulcers

Causes, symptoms, and treatment for foot ulcers, with care at 15 clinics across Middle Tennessee.

Part of Diabetic Foot Care, Wounds & Circulation

Understanding foot ulcers and your options.

A foot ulcer is an open sore that does not heal the way a normal cut would. It can be shallow or deep. Ulcers may be linked to diabetes, nerve damage, pressure, or poor blood flow in the arteries or veins.

Ulcers often form on the bottom of the foot, the heels, or the toes. Many people do not feel them at first. Treating an ulcer early lowers the risk of infection and serious complications.

Also called: Diabetic, Neuropathic, Pressure, Arterial, Venous

Request an appointmentCall 615-220-8788
Foot Ulcers care

Symptoms

Signs of foot ulcers.

If you notice these signs, an exam can give you clear answers.

  • 01

    An open sore or blister that will not close

  • 02

    Drainage, odor, or crusting on a wound

  • 03

    Red, warm, or swollen skin around the sore

  • 04

    Little or no pain, even with a deep wound

Why it happens

What can cause foot ulcers.

  • 01

    Pressure or rubbing on numb areas of the foot

  • 02

    Poor blood flow from blocked leg arteries

  • 03

    Weak leg veins that cause swelling and skin breakdown

  • 04

    Ill-fitting shoes and hard calluses

Care groupDiabetic Foot Care, Wounds & Circulation

Diagnosis and care

How we treat foot ulcers.

Step 1 · Diagnosis

We measure and photograph the sore, note its depth, and check for infection. We check pulses and skin color to see how well blood flows. X-rays or an MRI can show whether bone is involved, and we may order circulation tests or blood tests.

Step 2 · Treatment

The main goals are to take pressure off the sore and keep it clean and moist. We remove dead tissue during minor in-office procedures and use dressings picked for your wound type. Offloading with a boot, cast, or special shoe is often key. If blood flow is the problem, we work with vascular teams. Compression is used for vein-related ulcers when circulation is safe for it.

Surgery may help when a bone deformity keeps causing pressure, when infection is deep, or when blood flow needs to be restored. A vascular procedure may be needed before a wound can heal.

Recovery

What to expect over time.

Healing can take several weeks to several months, depending on the cause and your health. Ulcers can return, so long-term shoes and checks matter.

When to book

Do not wait it out.

See a podiatrist as soon as you notice an open sore, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation. Seek urgent care for spreading redness, fever, or a foul smell.

Call 615-220-8788

Related care

More in Diabetic Foot Care, Wounds & Circulation.

FAQ

Your questions answered.

Why won't my sore heal?

Pressure, poor blood flow, infection, or high blood sugar can all slow healing. We look for the cause so treatment fits it.

Can I keep walking on it?

Walking on an ulcer can keep it open. We will give you an offloading device so you can move with less pressure.

Get help with foot ulcers.

Request an appointmentCall 615-220-8788

Where we treat it

Foot Ulcers care at 15 clinics.

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