Trauma in the form of heat, cold and shoe pressure can result in an ulcer. Force or friction against the bottom of the foot can also lead to pressure ulcers. Neuropathy allows an ulcer to develop without the patient without a patient noticing it. This is known as a neuropathic ulcer. On the other hand, a very painful ulcer can be due to poor circulation and is known as an ischemic ulceration.
Treatment is dependent upon early diagnosis.
A chiropodist may use padding to redistribute pressure away from the lesion. Use of dressings, antiseptics and orthotics may also be used to treat an ulceration. In severe cases, gangrene may develop, this may result in surgery to the foot. With your chiropodists help, small cracks in the skin, corns and calluses can be treated before they get infected. The chiropodist will pare down the hard skin or corn at a regular interval.