A diabetic foot ulcer is not simply a wound.
It may involve pressure overload, deformity, infection, bone involvement, vascular compromise, or Charcot changes.
Wound care alone may address the surface — but podiatric evaluation addresses the cause.
Why Podiatry First?
The foot and ankle are an anatomic region, and podiatry is the specialty dedicated to that region. A foot and ankle physician can first evaluate the problem, establish the diagnosis, and determine the appropriate course of care. When additional expertise is needed, that care can be coordinated as part of the treatment plan.
At Seattle Foot and Ankle Center, diabetic foot care focuses on:
Ulcer Diagnosis
Identifying whether the ulcer is caused by pressure, deformity, infection, instability, or bone prominence.
Offloading
Pressure relief is often the most important factor in healing.
This may include:
- Surgical shoes
- Custom orthotics
- Bracing
- Total contact strategies
- Surgical offloading
Infection Control
Foot infections can progress quickly.
Early evaluation may identify:
- Abscess
- Osteomyelitis
- Gangrene
- Deep tissue involvement
Limb Preservation
Podiatric limb preservation includes:
- Debridement
- Bone resection
- Toe amputation
- Ray resection
- Transmetatarsal amputation
- Exostectomy
Refer Early For:
- Any diabetic ulcer
- Redness or swelling
- Drainage
- Bone exposure
- Suspected infection
- Charcot deformity
- Recurrent ulcers
Early podiatric intervention may reduce hospitalization and improve limb salvage outcomes.
In pain? Don’t wait. Early treatment leads to faster recovery. Urgent appointments available. Read about Conditions We Treat. Request an Appointment 5am-5pm M-F or online. Call: 206-682-8741 or Contact Us. If you like our content, please link it to your website and Collaborate With Us. Thank you.