How to distinguish a diabetic foot ulcer from a pressure injury?

Diabetic foot ulcers and pressure injuries are two common foot conditions that share similarities but are also quite different. For both diseases, early diagnosis and treatment are very important, otherwise serious complications may result. This article explains how to tell the difference between the two disorders, and how to treat them.

Diabetic Foot Ulcers :

Diabetic foot ulcers are one of the common complications of diabetic patients. It is a foot ulcer caused by poor circulation, infection, trauma, or other factors in the foot of a diabetic. Ulcers can occur anywhere on the foot, but the most common location is the sole. The incidence of diabetic foot ulcers increases with the duration of diabetes and can lead to foot amputation or even death if left untreated.

Diagnosis of diabetic foot ulcers is usually based on history, physical examination, and imaging studies. In terms of medical history, people with diabetes should be aware of the risk of foot ulcers and seek medical attention promptly. During the physical examination, your doctor may check the foot for pain, redness, temperature, touch, and pain. Imaging tests, including foot X-rays, CTs, and MRIs, can help doctors determine the location, depth, and extent of ulcers.

Pressure Injury :

A pressure injury is an injury caused by excessive pressure on the foot. Pressure injuries usually occur when wearing ill-fitting shoes or boots, such as tight shoes or boots, or due to conditions such as foot deformities or flat feet. Pressure injuries can occur anywhere on the foot, but the most common site is the sole of the foot.

The diagnosis of a pressure injury is usually based on the history, physical examination, and imaging studies. Historically, wearing ill-fitting shoes or boots may have been the cause of the pressure injury. During the physical examination, your doctor may check the foot for pain, redness, temperature, touch, and pain. Imaging tests, including foot X-rays, CTs, and MRIs, can help doctors determine the location, extent, and extent of the damage.

Differentiating Diabetic Foot Ulcers from Pressure Injuries

There are distinct differences between diabetic foot ulcers and pressure injuries, which can be distinguished in several ways:

Medical history: The onset of diabetic foot ulcers is associated with a history of diabetes, while pressure injuries are associated with improper clothing.

Physical examination: signs of pain, redness, temperature, touch, and pain were evident in diabetic foot ulcers, but not in pressure injuries.

Imaging examination: Through imaging examinations such as foot X-ray, CT, and MRI, the location, degree, and scope of diabetic foot ulcers and pressure injuries can be accurately judged to help doctors make correct diagnoses and treatments.

In summary, diabetic foot ulcers are distinct from pressure injuries and can be distinguished by history, physical examination, and imaging studies. For both diseases, early diagnosis and treatment are very important, otherwise serious complications may result.

For more information on Innomed® Silver Ion Dressing, refer to the previous articles. If you have customized needs, you are welcome to contact us; we will serve you wholeheartedly. At Longterm Medical, we transform this data by innovating and developing products that make life easier for those who need loving care.

Editor: kiki Jia

Date: May 30, 2023