A foot ulcer is a skin condition characterized by the presence of open skin lesions that are slow to heal or frequently recur. Foot ulcers can develop for a number of reasons, including poor circulation, and are common among patients with diabetes, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Patients who develop foot ulcer symptoms should consult a doctor for further evaluation and care. Left untreated, foot ulcers can lead to significant medical complications that may require amputation of the affected region of the foot.
Skin Lesions and Discoloration
The skin at the site of a foot ulcer or lesions can appear unusually discolored as a symptom of this condition. Ulcers or blisters that develop along the foot can be red, blue or black in color, warn medical experts at the New York University Langone Medical Center in New York City. Without appropriate treatment, these foot ulcer symptoms can become worse over time.
Pain, Burning or Itching
Open skin lesions on the foot can be painful and uncomfortable for affected patients, explains the Cleveland Clinic. These sensations of foot pain can be mild to severe and may interfere with a patient's ability to walk around normally. A foot ulcer may also cause sensations of burning or itching of the affected skin. Patients who scratch at the damaged foot skin can be at an increased risk of developing a severe foot infection.
Swelling
Patients who develop a foot ulcer can experience swelling of the foot or ankle, reports the University of Virginia Health System. Tissue damage caused by the ulcer can inflame the surrounding tissues, causing fluid accumulation. The affected foot or ankle can appear unusually puffy or enlarged and may be tender to the touch. It may be difficult for patients to fit the affected foot into their normal shoes due to extensive swelling. Patients who develop these foot ulcer symptoms should seek medical care as soon as possible.
Foot Drainage or Pus
A foot ulcer that is left untreated is at risk of becoming infected. If this occurs, affected patients can develop an open foot wound that leaks fluid or pus, warn health experts at the University of Illinois Medical Center. Fluid or pus drainage from the foot is typically accompanied by sensations of pain or swelling.
Fever
An infected foot ulcer can result in fever symptoms in affected patients, explains the NYU Lagone Medical Center. Patients who develop fever can also experience sweating, headache or chills. Fever symptoms are typically mild, but affected patients should consult a physician for further evaluation and care.
Cold Feet
Poor blood flow can cause patients to experience sensations of coldness within the affected foot, explains the University of Virginia Health System. Cold feet can be uncomfortable and may make it harder for patients to move about normally.
