Treatments Your Provider May Prescribe
In the case of a new ulcer, your doctor may want to take an X-ray of the area to make sure that there is no infection (osteomyelitis), fracture of the bone, or foreign objects lodged in the ulcer, as you may not feel them. Next, the doctor will likely remove any dead tissue with a scalpel (débride) from the area, revealing healthy skin. While this will actually make the ulcer larger in size and cause bleeding, it is important to have healthy tissue exposed for faster and cleaner healing. This will likely be done in the operating room, under anesthesia. After the surgery, be sure to follow proper instructions on wound care, making sure to apply any medications and dressings as directed.
Your doctor may send a sample of skin or fluid for bacterial culture and start you on oral antibiotics. It is very important to follow up with your doctor as scheduled: neurogenic ulcers can worsen very quickly and need to be closely monitored. Make sure to call your doctor if you experience any of the following: redness of the area, red streaking up the leg, drainage of the area, pain, foul odor, rising blood glucose, or swelling or redness of the top of the foot.
Your doctor may have you wear a special cast that will allow you to continue to be mobile but take pressure off the area. There are also medications that use growth factors to stimulate wound healing that your doctor may prescribe.
Self-Care Guidelines
