That Small Sore Could Be Serious: Let’s Talk About Early Stage Diabetic Foot Ulcers

A few months ago, an elderly gentleman walked into our clinic. Mr. Deshmukh, 61, said, “I think I got a shoe bite, but it’s not going away.” He took off his sock, and there it was—a tiny ulcer near the ball of his foot. Nothing too dramatic, but something didn’t feel right.

He hadn’t felt pain, but there was some discharge, and the skin around it looked a bit red. It turned out to be an early stage diabetic foot ulcer

We caught it just in time.

And that made all the difference.




What Is an Early Stage Diabetic Foot Ulcer, Really?

If you're diabetic, even the smallest cut or sore on your foot matters. An early stage diabetic foot ulcer isn’t always dramatic. It might look like a blister, a cracked heel, or a slightly red spot. You may not even feel it, thanks to the nerve damage (neuropathy) that diabetes can bring.

But this is exactly when you need to act.
Because when you catch it early, you have options—safe, non-surgical, and effective.

At Dr. Gangwani’s Vascular Clinic, we’ve seen this story play out hundreds of times. And each time, early care is what saves the foot—and sometimes even the patient’s life.

Why Do These Ulcers Happen?

Foot ulcers in diabetics are never random. They happen because:

  • Nerve damage makes it hard to feel pain or pressure.

  • Poor circulation means the smallest wound doesn’t heal well.

  • High blood sugar weakens your body’s ability to fight infection.

  • Wrong footwear or foot deformities (like bunions or hammertoes) cause pressure points that lead to wounds.

In Mr. Deshmukh’s case, his slipper rubbed against a corn. It broke the skin, and because he didn’t feel it—and didn’t check—it slowly turned into an ulcer.

What It Looks Like in the Real World

If you’re reading this, do me a small favor.

Take off your shoes. Look at your feet closely.

Do you see:

  • A red patch that’s not going away?

  • A small cut or crack that’s healing slower than it should?

  • Skin that feels warm or looks darker in one spot?

  • Drainage or stains on your socks?

These could be signs of an early stage diabetic foot ulcer. And the most important thing you can do is not ignore them.

Here’s What We Do at Dr. Gangwani’s Vascular Clinic

We don’t rush. We don’t over-treat. We listen first.

Step 1: We look and listen.

We examine the ulcer, check your sensation, temperature, and ask about your sugar control and daily habits.

Step 2: We check your blood flow.

Sometimes, a wound isn’t healing simply because blood isn’t reaching it well. We use non-invasive tests to check your circulation. If it’s poor, we can improve it through procedures like angioplasty.

Step 3: We clean the wound carefully.

No scrubbing. No harsh chemicals. Just precise, sterile cleaning that supports healing.

Step 4: We protect the wound.

We use advanced dressings and teach you how to offload pressure using special footwear or padding.

Step 5: We walk with you.

Healing isn’t one appointment. We stay with you—checking progress, adjusting care, and making sure you never feel alone.

A Quick Story: Sunita’s Mistake—and Her Recovery

Sunita, a retired school principal, told us, “I thought it was just dry skin. I kept applying coconut oil.”

When she finally came in, the small crack on her heel had developed into a shallow ulcer.

Luckily, we treated it in time. With regular dressing, proper offloading, and better sugar control, it healed in four weeks.

She now visits us every few months for foot checks. No scares since.

Sometimes all you need is a second pair of trained eyes.

Simple Habits That Could Save Your Foot

  1. Check your feet daily. Use a mirror if needed.

  2. Wear proper shoes. Never walk barefoot—not even indoors.

  3. Keep your feet clean and dry.

  4. Don’t ignore “minor” cuts or blisters.

  5. Control your blood sugar. Healing starts from the inside.

  6. Visit your vascular specialist regularly. Even if nothing’s wrong.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I wait a few days to see if it heals?

Please don’t. Early ulcers can look harmless, but worsen fast. Come in—even if it’s “just a small sore.”

Q: Is treatment painful?

No. We use gentle methods. Most treatments are outpatient and non-surgical. It’s all about making you comfortable while you heal.

Q: How long will healing take?

With early care and proper offloading, many ulcers heal in 2–6 weeks. Every foot is different, but early stage healing is almost always quicker.

Q: Will I need surgery?

In early stages, very unlikely. Our goal is always to heal you without surgery. But if circulation is severely compromised, we might discuss small procedures to restore blood flow.

Q: How do I prevent it from coming back?

Stay consistent: daily foot checks, regular sugar control, proper shoes, and occasional clinic visits. Prevention isn’t complicated—it’s about being mindful.

Final Words—From One Human to Another

A diabetic foot ulcer doesn’t have to be scary. It’s just your body’s way of saying, “Hey, I need a little attention here.”

At Dr. Gangwani’s Vascular Clinic, we’re not just treating ulcers—we’re helping people stay active, independent, and pain-free.

Whether you’re 35 or 85, you deserve healthy feet.
You deserve to walk without fear.
You deserve a doctor who listens.

If you or someone you love has diabetes, check your feet today.
And if something feels off—even slightly—come see us.

We’re here for you.
We’ve got your back.
And your feet, too.


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