Why do foot ulcers develop in people with diabetes?

Diabetic foot ulcers develop due to neuropathy (loss of sensation), peripheral arterial disease (poor blood flow), and impaired immune response. This combination leads to unnoticed injuries that don't heal properly.

How are diabetic foot ulcers diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves a clinical exam, assessment of wound depth and size, testing for infection (using cultures or lab markers), and evaluation of blood flow and nerve function in the lower extremities.

What are the key components of treatment?

Treatment includes debridement (removal of dead tissue), infection control with topical or systemic antibiotics, offloading pressure using specialized footwear or devices, optimizing blood sugar and circulation, and dressing selection to maintain a moist healing environment.

When is hyperbaric oxygen therapy used for diabetic foot ulcers?

HBOT may be recommended for non-healing ulcers after 4–6 weeks of standard care, especially when there's poor circulation or persistent infection. It increases tissue oxygenation, promotes angiogenesis, and enhances antibiotic effectiveness.

How can I prevent diabetic foot ulcers?

Prevention involves daily foot inspections, proper hygiene, wearing supportive shoes, managing blood glucose levels, avoiding walking barefoot, and getting regular check-ups with a foot care specialist.

Diabetic Foot Ulcer Treatment in San Antonio: A Complete Guide

1. What is a Diabetic Foot Ulcer?

A diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is an open sore or wound that develops on the foot, typically on the bottom or sides. These ulcers affect approximately 15% of people with diabetes at some point in their lives and are a leading cause of hospitalization and lower-extremity amputation.

What makes these wounds particularly dangerous is that they can go unnoticed due to neuropathy, nerve damage caused by elevated blood sugar. Without proper care, a minor cut can evolve into a deep infection or lead to tissue death.

2. Why Are Diabetic Ulcers So Dangerous?

Slow Healing: High blood sugar impairs circulation, which restricts the oxygen and nutrients necessary for wound healing.
Increased Infection Risk: Diabetic wounds are prone to bacterial infections, which can quickly become severe.
Loss of Sensation: Many patients do not feel pain, meaning ulcers can worsen without warning.
Amputation Risk: Without treatment, ulcers can lead to gangrene, requiring partial foot or limb removal.

According to the American Diabetes Association, 85% of diabetes-related amputations begin with a foot ulcer.

3. Common Causes and Risk Factors

Common risk factors include:

Poorly controlled blood sugar
Peripheral neuropathy
Foot deformities or pressure points
Inadequate footwear
History of ulcers or amputations
Kidney or cardiovascular complications

4. Symptoms and Warning Signs

Early detection is key. Be aware of these symptoms:

Redness, swelling, or warmth in the foot
Open sores that do not heal
Drainage or foul odor
Black tissue (a sign of necrosis)
Loss of feeling or tingling

Even a small blister can escalate quickly, especially if untreated.

5. How Diabetic Foot Ulcers Are Diagnosed

At Hill Country Wound Care, diagnosis begins with a thorough evaluation by a physician.

This includes:

Visual examination of the wound
Wound measurement and depth assessment
Checking for signs of infection
Vascular studies to assess blood flow
Imaging (X-ray or MRI) to evaluate bone involvement

Our goal is not just to treat the surface wound, but to understand and manage all underlying conditions that may delay healing.

6. Treatment Options at Hill Country Wound Care & Hyperbarics

Every wound is different. That’s why we offer a full spectrum of evidence-based treatments tailored to your unique situation.

Our diabetic wound care services include:

Advanced wound dressings to promote healing and manage moisture
Surgical debridement to remove dead or infected tissue
Cellular Tissue Products to close and shrink deep wounds
Infection control and targeted antibiotics
Offloading techniques (custom orthotics, total contact casting)
Patient education and glucose management

Our approach is comprehensive, physician-led, and personalized.

7. How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) Supports Healing

For patients with stubborn or infected diabetic ulcers, we often integrate Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) into the treatment plan.

HBOT helps by:

Delivering high concentrations of oxygen to the bloodstream
Stimulating new blood vessel growth
Enhancing the function of white blood cells
Improving tissue regeneration
Making antibiotics more effective

HBOT is especially valuable for Wagner Grade 3+ ulcers, infected bone (osteomyelitis), and wounds resistant to traditional therapies.

👉 Learn more in our Complete Guide to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in San Antonio

8. Preventing Complications and Avoiding Amputation

The most effective way to reduce amputation risk is early intervention and ongoing care. We work closely with you to:

Control blood sugar to create a healing-friendly environment
Offload pressure to allow wounds to close
Prevent infection through wound hygiene and monitoring
Schedule regular follow-ups to track healing progress

We emphasize limb salvage and healing over time, not just short-term fixes.

9. What to Expect from Your Treatment Plan

From day one, your experience is coordinated by a team that understands the complexity of diabetic wounds.

Your journey includes:

A comprehensive consultation and wound assessment
Customized care plan with measurable goals
Weekly or bi-weekly treatments, depending on severity
Multidisciplinary collaboration if needed (podiatry, endocrinology, vascular, and infectious disease)

You are never alone in your recovery, our team is with you every step of the way.

10. Diabetic Wound Care in San Antonio: Why Choose Hill Country?

Hill Country Wound Care & Hyperbarics is San Antonio’s largest privately owned outpatient wound care provider, with multiple convenient locations, including Live Oak, Bulverde, and South West San Antonio.

Why patients choose us:

Physician-led care at every visit
Access to advanced technologies, including HBOT and Cellular Tissue Products
Compassionate, human-centered approach
On-site evaluations and personalized planning
Insurance-friendly and accessible scheduling

We don’t just treat wounds, we help patients regain mobility, confidence, and quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is my diabetic foot ulcer covered by insurance?

Yes. Most insurance plans, including Medicare cover diabetic wound treatment when medically necessary.

How long will it take for my ulcer to heal?

Healing depends on the size, depth, and infection level. Some wounds close in 4–6 weeks; others may take longer.

Can I return to work during treatment?

In most cases, yes, with adjustments. We’ll help manage your mobility and comfort during recovery.

Final Thoughts

A diabetic foot ulcer is never “just a wound.” It’s a signal that your body needs help, and delaying care can lead to life-altering consequences.

At Hill Country Wound Care & Hyperbarics, we offer comprehensive, compassionate, and effective diabetic ulcer treatment in San Antonio. Our team is dedicated to helping you heal fully, while preserving your independence and preventing complications.

Schedule your diabetic wound consultation today. Your path to healing starts here.

Schedule Your Appointment Today