What causes a Foot Ulcer?
Foot ulcers are caused by excessive pressure against the skin. Pressure can be caused by an outside source such as poor fitting shoes, bed sheets or even from mattress pressure. Sources from within the feet such as thick toenails or calluses can also be a source of pressure. The skin requires blood for fuel and oxygen. Any pressure against the skin that is higher than the skin blood pressure will cut off the blood supply to the skin. Without blood the skin will begin to break down and ulcers will form. The first sign of an ulcer may be a blister. It does not take much pressure to cause an ulcer so the skin has a built in protection system that is like a burglar alarm. Sensors in the skin detect increased pressure. When the pressure reaches a level that can cause injury an alarm is sounded. The sensors send a pain signal to the brain to alert the person to check their feet. Persons with diabetes are prone to peripheral neuropathy or loss of feeling, which is like having an alarm with br
