Introduction to Diabetic Foot Ulcers

What are the Risk Factors for Diabetic Foot Ulcers?

A risk factor is anything that increases the likelihood for developing a disease or condition, such as diabetic foot ulcers. Risk factors for diabetic foot ulcers include:

• Uncontrolled or poorly controlled diabetes
• How long the diabetes has been present - longer duration of diabetes increases the risk for diabetic foot ulcers
• Older age
• Male gender - men are twice as likely as women to develop diabetic foot ulcers
• Trauma to the foot (e.g., lacerations, burns; penetrating injury; insect bites)
• Untreated calluses
• Foot deformities (e.g., bunions, hammertoes; Charcot foot)
• History of previous foot ulcers
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Increased plantar foot pressures
• Poorly-fitting shoes
• Restricted joint mobility