A diabetic foot ulcer is an emergency when redness or swelling spreads quickly, tissue turns black or blue, the foot becomes cold or numb, bone is visible, or fever, confusion, faintness, or rapid breathing develops. Go to an emergency department; do not wait for a routine wound visit. Any diabetic foot ulcer still needs prompt professional assessment even without these signs.
Rapidly spreading redness, marked swelling, red streaks, pus, a strong new odor, severe pain, fever, shaking chills, or new confusion can indicate a serious infection. Diabetes may blunt pain or fever, so changes in appearance, function, or alertness are important.
A foot that becomes cold, pale, blue, black, newly numb, or suddenly very painful may not be receiving enough blood. This is time-sensitive and should be evaluated in an emergency department.
Keep weight off the foot and cover the ulcer with a clean dry dressing. Bring the medication and allergy lists if readily available. Do not soak the foot, cut tissue, squeeze drainage, delay for a meal, or use leftover antibiotics as a substitute for evaluation.
Call 911 when the person appears seriously ill or cannot be transported safely.
Call 877-545-1300 or request a provider to begin care. Healix360 serves Southern California and Nevada and accepts Medicare Part B and most major insurance plans.