Diabetic Foot Ulcer: Prevention, Management, and Controversies

Purpose of Review: The purpose of this review is to update the reader on current practices and new developments in caring for the patient with a diabetic foot ulcer. Recent Findings: Surgical offloading may be superior to total contact casting but additional data is needed. Multidisciplinary care of the diabetic foot is effective at reducing amputations and reducing overall cost of care. Summary: Prevention of diabetic foot ulcers is most effective when diabetes and comorbidities are adequately managed and frequent foot care is performed by the patient daily and the clinician annually. Offloading is central to healing diabetic foot ulcers. Diabetic foot care is complex and requires a broad spectrum of medical, surgical, and orthotic specialists. When care occurs within a coordinated, multidisciplinary team, cost and outcomes improve.