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Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Early Signs, Causes and Prevention

Diabetic foot ulcers are open sores that develop, usually on the sole, heel, or toes, when unnoticed pressure or friction breaks down skin that's slow to heal. They're one of the most serious diabetes-related foot complications, and prevention is far easier than treatment.

Why Diabetic Feet Are at Risk

  • Neuropathy hides the pain that would normally alert you to a break in your skin
  • Poor circulation slows healing once skin breaks down
  • High blood sugar impairs the body's ability to fight infection
  • Unnoticed minor injuries (blisters, cuts, calluses) can progress silently

Early Warning Signs

  • A callus that's thickening or changing colour
  • Any break in the skin, however small
  • Redness or warmth in one area, especially on the sole
  • Drainage or an unusual odour from a sock or shoe
  • Swelling around a specific spot rather than the whole foot

Prevention That Actually Works

  1. Check your feet daily, since you may not feel a problem forming
  2. Wear seamless, non-binding socks to remove common friction points
  3. Never walk barefoot, indoors or out
  4. Moisturise dry skin, but not between the toes, to prevent cracking
  5. See a podiatrist regularly, especially if you have known neuropathy or circulation issues
  6. Treat calluses professionally, don't cut them yourself

If You Notice a Wound

Any break in the skin on a diabetic foot should be assessed promptly, even if it looks minor. Early treatment prevents a small wound from progressing to a deeper ulcer.

Why Diafeetez

Seamless toes and non-binding tops remove two of the most common friction sources behind diabetic ulcers. Designed by Australian podiatrists with prevention in mind.

Shop our seamless, non-binding range.

General clinical guidance, not a review of your individual foot health. See your podiatrist promptly for any wound, discolouration, or signs of infection.

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Other articles:

Understanding Peripheral Neuropathy: How the Right Socks Can Help

How to do a diabetic foot self-check at home

Choosing the Best Diabetic Socks: A Podiatrist's Guide (Australia)

Frequently Asked Questions About Diabetic Socks

What Happens at a Diabetic Foot Check? A Podiatrist Explains