A diabetic foot wound not healing is never “small.” What starts as a tiny cut, blister, or crack can quickly become a dangerous diabetic foot ulcer if ignored. Most diabetics in Bangalore miss early warning signs because the wound doesn’t hurt – but this is exactly what makes it risky.
A tiny cut on the foot.
A mild blister after wearing new shoes.
A cracked heel that doesn’t look serious.
Most diabetics notice them…
and wait.
A day… two days… a week.
Until one day it turns into pain, swelling, discharge, or a dark patch.
This is how 90% of diabetic foot ulcers begin in Bangalore.
A small wound that didn’t heal.
Let’s break down why this happens, why it is dangerous, and what every diabetic must know before a minor issue turns into an emergency.
Why a Diabetic Foot Wound Not Healing Is More Dangerous Than It Looks (The Real Cause Nobody Tells You)
Diabetes affects three things silently:
1. Nerves → You don’t feel the wound
Cuts, burns, blisters, pressure sores go unnoticed.
2. Circulation → Blood doesn’t reach the foot
Less oxygen → slower healing → dead tissue → infection.
3. Immunity → Body can’t fight germs well
Even a simple wound becomes a bacterial hotspot.
This combination leads to:
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delayed healing
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spreading infection
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blackening of skin
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ulcers
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gangrene (if ignored)
A wound you couldn’t feel becomes a wound you can’t heal.
India’s Most Ignored Symptoms of Diabetic Foot Problems
If you have diabetes, look out for:
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a wound that stays the same after 48-72 hours
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redness around a small cut
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swelling in one foot
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watery discharge from a wound
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black or brown patch
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loss of sensation in foot
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foul smell (late sign)
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warmth in one area
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thickened or cracked skin
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pain while walking (or sometimes no pain due to nerve damage)
Bangalore diabetics commonly ignore these because they “don’t hurt.”
But no pain is the biggest red flag.
If you notice a diabetic foot wound not healing for more than 48–72 hours, it usually indicates poor blood circulation, infection, or nerve damage.
Why Are Diabetic Foot Ulcers Increasing in Bangalore? (Local Factors That Matter)
Based on cases seen in Basavanagudi, Jayanagar, JP Nagar, and Banashankari:
A) Long walking distances + footwear friction
Daily commutes + wrong footwear → pressure sores.
B) Bangalore’s humid weather
Moist feet → fungal infections → cracked skin → wounds.
C) Long sitting hours in IT jobs
Poor circulation → slow healing → swelling.
D) Delayed check-ups
Most patients try home remedies first.
These small regional lifestyle patterns make Bangalore one of the highest-risk diabetic foot cities.
Many patients try home remedies first, which delays proper treatment and makes a diabetic foot wound not healing much harder to manage later.
When a “Small Wound” Turns into an Ulcer (Stages Explained Clearly)
Stage 1 – Redness or blister
Looks simple. Often ignored.
Stage 2 – Skin breaks or peels
Mild discharge. Still ignored.
Stage 3 – Deep ulcer
Yellow/white discharge, swelling. Now difficult to walk.
Stage 4 – Spreading infection
Foot warmth, smell, severe swelling.
Stage 5 – Gangrene (black/dark tissue)
Emergency. Needs immediate vascular treatment.
Every stage is reversible only if treated early.
What You Should Do Immediately If a Wound Isn’t Healing
1. Do NOT walk barefoot.
Increases infection instantly.
2. Do NOT apply turmeric, toothpaste, or home remedies.
This worsens infection.
3. Do NOT wait for pain.
Nerve damage means diabetics do not feel early pain.
4. DO clean the wound gently with saline.
5. DO get a vascular Doppler check if:
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the wound is not healing
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swelling increases
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the foot feels cold
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the area becomes dark
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discharge increases
Delayed action = higher risk of amputation.
Why a Vascular Surgeon Is the Right Doctor for Diabetic Foot Wounds
Most patients first consult:
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general doctors
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dermatologists
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surgeons
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or worse, Google home treatments
But diabetic foot ulcers are a circulation problem.
That’s why vascular specialists should lead the treatment.
As a vascular surgeon, I check:
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blood flow to your foot
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artery blockages
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nerve sensation
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infection depth
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tissue nutrition
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oxygen supply
This is the root cause approach.
Surface treatment alone never works.
How We Treat Diabetic Foot Ulcers (Modern, Painless, Precise)
1. Doppler Scan
Checks blood flow in 10 minutes.
2. Cleaning & Debridement
Removes dead tissue safely.
3. Antibiotic Plan
Customised based on scan + infection level.
4. Circulation Improvement
If blood flow is low, we may perform:
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angioplasty
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endovascular procedures
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vessel opening techniques
All minimally invasive.
5. Special Dressings (Advanced Wound Care)
Keeps the wound infection-free and healing faster.
6. Offloading (Pressure Relief)
Customized footwear to divert pressure and prevent repeat wounds.
7. Laser/Fogging Treatment (If Varicose Veins Coexist)
Improves venous return → faster healing.
Healing depends on circulation, not just cream or dressing.
Why Diabetic Foot Ulcers Become Dangerous Quickly
Because diabetes hides:
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pain
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infection
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circulation damage
Patients think “it’s small,” until it is not.
80% of amputations in India start from a tiny wound.
But most amputations are preventable with early vascular care.
How to Prevent Diabetic Foot Ulcers (Simple Rules That Actually Work)
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Inspect feet daily
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Avoid cracked skin
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Keep nails trimmed
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Wear soft, cushioned footwear
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Never walk barefoot
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Manage blood sugar
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Do annual vascular Doppler screening
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Treat corns/calluses professionally
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Act early on any wound
Prevention > treatment > amputation risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I know if a diabetic foot wound is serious?
If the wound is not healing within 48–72 hours, or if there is redness, swelling, or discharge, it needs immediate vascular evaluation.
2. Why do diabetics get foot ulcers easily?
Poor circulation and nerve damage prevent wound healing and reduce sensation.
3. Which doctor treats diabetic foot wounds?
A vascular surgeon is the correct specialist. They treat the circulation issues causing poor healing.
4. Who is the best diabetic foot specialist in Bangalore?
For South Bangalore regions like Basavanagudi, Jayanagar, and Banashankari, Dr. Sravan is a leading vascular surgeon for diabetic foot ulcers and endovascular treatments.
5. Can diabetic foot ulcers be cured without surgery?
If treated early with Doppler-guided care, advanced dressings, and circulation improvement, most ulcers heal without surgery.
6. When does diabetic foot become dangerous?
Black patches, foul smell, rapid swelling, or spreading redness indicate severe infection requiring urgent treatment.
Book your appointment with Dr Sravan Today
If you have a small foot wound that refuses to heal, do not wait.
Early vascular treatment can prevent:
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infection
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hospitalization
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amputation
Consult Dr. Sravan C.P.S – Vascular & Endovascular Surgeon
Basavanagudi • Jayanagar • JP Nagar • Banashankari