What are the treatment options for diabetic foot ulcer?

A clinician examines the ulcer’s size, depth, skin around it, circulation, sensation, and signs of infection. A [Wound Care and Dressing](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/wound-care-and-dressing/) plan keeps the wound protected and supports regular cleaning and dressing changes. Dressings are selected for the wound rather than copied from someone else’s care.

Reducing pressure is often central to healing. This may involve suitable footwear, an offloading device, or changing how you walk. If infection is suspected, a clinician may prescribe treatment and decide whether further assessment is needed. Blood glucose management, circulation review, and removal of unhealthy tissue may also form part of care.

Arrange prompt assessment through a [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) or the foot team caring for your diabetes. Keep the dressing clean and dry as instructed, avoid walking barefoot, and check both feet daily for new redness, blisters, cracks, swelling, discharge, or colour change. Do not cut calluses or apply household chemicals to the ulcer. Follow instructions about footwear and pressure relief even when the wound feels less sore.

Seek urgent medical care for spreading redness, warmth, swelling, pus, a bad smell, fever, chills, increasing pain, black or pale skin, or a rapidly changing wound. Reduced sensation can hide serious damage, so lack of pain does not make a new change safe to ignore. Emergency help is needed if you feel severely unwell or confused.

How deep is the ulcer? Do I need pressure relief or special footwear? How should I change the dressing? Are there signs of infection or circulation problems? When should the wound be reviewed?