Why diabetic foot ulcers can cause intense pain even with reduced sensation

Research from the University of Gothenburg suggests that people with diabetic foot ulcers may feel sudden or severe pain even after losing some sensation in their feet. Some patients said the pain could wake them at night and make everyday plans difficult.

The study highlights that looking only at how a wound appears to be healing can miss an important part of the picture. A person may value the treatment they receive while still feeling as if they are coping with the pain by themselves.

Anneli Ringblom, a district nurse and researcher, explored patients' experiences through surveys and interviews for her doctoral thesis. Her aim was to learn what it is like to live with an ulcer and how patients experience conversations about pain with healthcare professionals.

Participants described several kinds of pain. Some reported a dull ache, while others felt sudden, sharp pain that could appear without warning, including while resting. The possibility that it might return added to the strain.

That uncertainty could complicate ordinary decisions. Someone might wonder whether they could finish gardening or remain at a social event if the pain worsened. Broken sleep could also make the following day harder to manage.

Even on better days, caring for the foot required time and attention. People described bandaging the wound, using ointment, and checking socks or shoes for anything that might irritate the area. Preparing for a walk could take so much effort that they chose not to go.

Circulation is another issue in diabetic foot care; see research into a diabetes medicine that may improve walking in people with leg artery disease.

Many participants spoke positively about the doctors, nurses and foot specialists involved in their care. At the same time, some said staff did not always ask about pain, and others were reluctant to mention it because they did not want to take up too much of the clinician's time.

For some, ongoing suffering could make even a feared outcome such as amputation seem like a possible way to escape the pain. Their experiences show how the impact of a wound can go far beyond what it looks like.

The research was based on what patients reported. It did not independently examine each clinical encounter or determine which pain treatments are most effective for a specific type of ulcer.

The findings suggest clinicians may need to ask questions that might otherwise go unnoticed during a wound visit. How often the pain occurs, what it feels like, and whether it affects sleep or movement can help provide a clearer understanding of how a patient is coping between appointments.

If you are interested in this topic, please read articles about Foods that keep blood sugar steady: a simple guide, and How Mediterranean diet could benefit people with type 2 diabetes.

For more information, please see articles about Managing Type 2 Diabetes: Foods to avoid for better blood sugar control, and How to manage high blood pressure and diabetes with healthy foods.

Source: University of Gothenburg.