Q: I think I have a foot ulcer. Should I be concerned?
A: An open sore on the foot can be a shallow red crater or a very deep crater, involving tendons, bones and other deep structures. If they become infected, they can develop into an abscess, infection of the skin, infection in the bone or gangrene.
Among the diabetic population, the most severe foot infections, which start as a simple foot ulcer, can ultimately require all or part of the toe, foot or lower leg to be amputated. Any poorly healing foot wound in a diabetic should be medically evaluated.
Dr. Chris Lesar is a vascular surgeon at Vascular Institute of Chattanooga and a member of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society.