Diabetes doesn’t just raise your sugar levels — it quietly damages your nerves, blood vessels, and immune response. And one of the most dangerous complications? Foot ulcers. These open wounds on your feet may seem harmless at first but can quickly escalate into severe infections, amputations, or even life-threatening conditions.
If you’re diabetic and living in Bangalore, this guide is your early-warning radar. We’ll walk you through 5 critical signs of diabetic foot ulcers, when to seek help, and how Dr. Sravan in Basavanagudi can provide advanced vascular care before it’s too late.
1. 🔥 Persistent Numbness or Tingling in Your Feet
What it means:
If your feet often feel numb, “asleep,” or have that pins-and-needles sensation, it could signal peripheral neuropathy — nerve damage caused by diabetes. You might not feel pain from a cut, blister, or ulcer, making wounds go unnoticed and untreated.
Why it’s dangerous:
Lack of sensation means ulcers can develop silently and get infected before you realize it.
What to do:
Schedule a diabetic foot screening if numbness is frequent. Dr. Sravan performs vascular and neurological assessments to catch early damage.
2. 🧱 A Small Cut or Blister That Won’t Heal
What it means:
Even a shoe bite or a cracked heel that lingers for weeks is a red flag. Diabetes slows wound healing due to poor blood circulation and immune response.
Why it’s dangerous:
Non-healing wounds are a gateway to chronic ulcers and deep infections that may require hospitalization or surgery.
What to do:
Any wound that doesn’t improve within 7–10 days needs medical evaluation. Visit a vascular specialist before complications set in.
3. 🦠 Foul Odor or Drainage from the Foot
What it means:
If your socks are damp, or there’s a smell coming from your foot, it may mean the ulcer is infected — even if you can’t see it on the surface.
Why it’s dangerous:
Drainage or pus suggests internal tissue damage or bacterial spread, which could lead to gangrene or sepsis if untreated.
What to do:
This is a medical emergency. Visit a diabetic foot specialist immediately for debridement and infection control.
4. 🚨 Redness, Swelling, or Warmth Around a Wound
What it means:
These are signs of inflammation, possibly indicating an underlying infection in the soft tissue or bone (osteomyelitis).
Why it’s dangerous:
Infected ulcers can spread quickly in diabetics, and once bone involvement begins, amputation risk skyrockets.
What to do:
Do not delay. Schedule a foot ulcer consultation with a vascular surgeon. Early antibiotics and vascular scans can save your limb.
5. 🧊 Skin Discoloration or Blackened Tissue
What it means:
Blue, purple, or black skin could indicate ischemia (lack of blood flow) or tissue death (necrosis). This is common in advanced diabetic foot ulcers.
Why it’s dangerous:
You may be at risk of gangrene, a medical emergency that can become life-threatening.
What to do:
Urgent vascular evaluation is needed. Dr. Sravan performs advanced Doppler studies and endovascular interventions to restore circulation.
🩺 Why Choose Dr. Sravan for Diabetic Foot Ulcer Treatment in Bangalore?
As a leading vascular and endovascular surgeon in Basavanagudi, Dr. Sravan specializes in treating complex diabetic foot wounds using minimally invasive techniques. His clinic offers:
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✅ Doppler & angiographic testing
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✅ Non-healing ulcer care
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✅ Peripheral artery disease (PAD) screening
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✅ AV fistula and limb salvage procedures
Early diagnosis. Targeted treatment. Fewer surgeries. More mobility.
🛡️ How to Prevent Diabetic Foot Ulcers
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Inspect your feet daily
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Avoid barefoot walking, even indoors
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Moisturize dry skin, but not between toes
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Trim nails carefully, or get help
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Control sugar, BP, and cholesterol
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Wear soft, diabetic-friendly footwear
⏰ When to Consult a Doctor
👉 Immediately if:
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There’s a wound that isn’t healing
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You see pus, discoloration, or foul smell
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Numbness, swelling, or heat is present
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You have diabetes with PAD or neuropathy
Don’t wait for pain. Many diabetic foot ulcers develop without it.
❓FAQs About Diabetic Foot Ulcers
1. Can a diabetic foot ulcer heal on its own?
No. Without proper care, most ulcers worsen over time and may lead to infections or amputations.
2. How long does it take for a foot ulcer to heal?
With early treatment, some ulcers may heal in 4–6 weeks. Deeper or infected wounds take longer.
3. What is the best treatment for diabetic foot ulcers?
Wound cleaning, antibiotics, vascular evaluation, and in some cases, minor surgeries. Pressure offloading is also key.
4. Are foot ulcers painful?
Not always. Due to nerve damage, you may not feel pain even when the ulcer is serious.
5. Should I see a vascular surgeon or a general physician?
For chronic or infected foot ulcers, consult a vascular specialist like Dr. Sravan who can address circulation issues and offer advanced care.
📍 Book an Appointment in Basavanagudi, Bangalore
Early signs should never be ignored. If you notice any symptoms mentioned above, consult Dr. Sravan — trusted by hundreds of diabetic patients for advanced vascular care.
📞 Call now or book online. Don’t let a small wound become a big problem.