Diabetic foot ulcers are painful, but because many patients have extreme nerve damage, they may not feel pain as a symptom.
Upon examination, patients might notice drainage on their socks. They may also notice that their feet are red, swollen, and possibly abnormally smelly.
It’s important to check your feet often and be on the lookout for any unusual firmness or numbness. In some cases, patients may not have apparent symptoms, and the ulcer may not be discovered until it’s already become infected. Due to this risk, it’s important to talk to your doctor about any changes to your feet if you're at risk for diabetic ulcers.