Foot ulcers are wounds and lesions on the feet that keep returning or do not entirely heal. Foot ulcers result from broken skin that leaves the cells in your feet prone to infections and damage. They are the leading cause of foot infections in adults.

If blood flow to your feet is reduced, the damaged tissues don’t get as much oxygen. When this occurs, cell metabolism slows down, which reduces your body’s ability to fight of infection and close the wound. In most cases, wounds that fail to heal or cuts that heal very slowly can be traced back to poor circulation.

Ulcers, wounds in your skin that can get infected and take a long time to heal, are sometimes found on your feet and toes. People with diabetes who have neuropathy are most likely to get these ulcers. Ulcers can get infected and sometimes require amputation of your foot or toes. Healing the ulcer might include nonsurgical and surgical treatments.

Oftentimes the reason why a cut won’t heal is because there is poor blood circulation in your feet. If circulation is poor, healthy oxygenated blood can’t get to the wound site as easily. This slows down cell metabolism and in turn reduces your body’s ability to close and heal the injury site.

Foot sores that won’t heal can be a sign of a more serious medical condition, such as diabetic ulcers or pressure ulcers. If you are experiencing any kind of foot sore that doesn’t seem to be healing up, it is important to see an experience foot doctor near you right away for diagnosis and treatment.