Why Does a Diabetic Foot Ulcer Not Heal? The Role of Artery Blockage

Diabetic foot ulcers are not only a matter of wound care. For a wound to heal, enough blood and oxygen must reach the tissue. Narrowing or blockage of the leg arteries is common in diabetic patients and is one of the important reasons wounds do not heal.

Uncontrolled blood sugar, infection, nerve damage that hides pain and unsuitable footwear make wounds more likely to form and progress. Treatment is therefore teamwork: blood sugar control, wound care, infection treatment and vascular assessment.

If an arterial blockage is found, interventional radiology can open the vessels with a balloon and, if needed, a stent through a thin catheter inserted at the groin or ankle. The aim is to restore blood flow to the wound and support healing.

A wound on the foot that will not heal, darkened toes, foot pain at rest or a cold foot call for timely vascular assessment.

Checking the feet daily, wearing comfortable shoes and keeping blood sugar in the target range reduce the risk of ulcers. This article is general information; diagnosis and treatment require an examination.