Pathophysiology and treatment of diabetic foot ulcer.

The etiology of diabetic foot ulcers is reviewed. A combination of neuropathy, angiopathy, and biomechanical forces are shown to cause foot ulcers in the diabetic patient. A treatment regimen for the resolution of these ulcers is proposed. Early detection with meticulous care and a high level of suspicion for infection expedites patient care. Metabolic control of diabetes mellitus will also encourage more rapid resolution of the diabetic foot ulcer. Patient education and compliance provides significant results and decreases the incidence of ulceration.