Does a GP consultation treat a diabetic foot ulcer?

A diabetic foot ulcer is an open area on the foot that may heal slowly, especially when sensation, blood flow or glucose control is affected. The GP can inspect the wound, look for infection, check circulation and sensation, review diabetes treatment and assess whether pressure or footwear is contributing.

Care may include wound dressing advice, treatment for infection when present, pressure relief and referral to a podiatry, wound or diabetes team. A deeper wound, dead tissue, poor circulation or suspected bone infection needs more specialised assessment than a routine consultation alone.

Arrange medical review promptly rather than treating an ulcer only at home. Keep the dressing clean and follow instructions about washing, weight-bearing and footwear. Do not cut away hard skin, use chemical corn treatments or walk barefoot. Check both feet daily for redness, swelling, drainage, new blisters or colour change.

Bring your diabetes medicine list and information about previous ulcers, circulation problems or loss of sensation. Continue diabetes treatment as prescribed unless a clinician gives different instructions.

Seek urgent help for spreading redness, increasing warmth or swelling, pus, a bad smell, black or grey tissue, fever, chills, severe pain, new confusion or feeling very unwell. Urgent assessment is also needed if the foot becomes cold, pale or blue, or if a wound suddenly deepens.

How deep does the ulcer appear? Are there signs of infection or poor circulation? How should I dress it and keep pressure off? Do I need podiatry, wound care, vascular or diabetes review? Which foot changes should prompt same-day help?