Diabetic foot wounds: pathogenesis and management.

The diabetic foot is prone to foot ulceration, which may lead to ischemia, infection, and the need for amputation. To try to reduce foot ulcer-related hospitalizations and decrease the amputation rate, health care providers need to understand the pathophysiology of the diabetic ulcer, treat ulcers promptly and aggressively, provide revascularization when necessary, prescribe therapeutic shoes, use a team approach, and conduct an intensive, ongoing patient-education program in foot care.