Foot Ulcers

Ulcers result from breaks in the dermal barrier, with subsequent erosion of underlying subcutaneous tissue. In severe cases, the breach may extend to muscle and bone. Primary care providers are often the first to evaluate nonhealing pedal ulcers. Early recognition of the cause and prompt management of ulcers are essential for a good functional outcome. In many cases, successful salvage of an extremity depends on a multidisciplinary team of specialists, and timely consultation is warranted.CausesWalking consists of a complex series of biomechanical events involving triplanar movements of the foot and ankle (Figure 1A).2 A variety of external and . . .