Living with Diabetic Foot Ulcers: a Life of Fear, Restrictions, and Pain

Lower extremity ulcers are a common and challenging problem for people with diabetes and clinicians who provide their care. A qualitative study of seven patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who had leg and/or foot ulcers was conducted to enhance understanding of the patient's perspective of living with lower extremity ulcers and diabetes. Data were collected through in-depth interviews guided by the patients' descriptive priorities. Results indicated that patients experienced changes in their feet, pain and insomnia, fatigue and limited mobility, social isolation and loneliness, a restricted life, loss of control, and fear for the future. When treating a patient's leg or foot ulcer, clinicians need to consider patients' subjective feelings toward the various aspects of their life situations and the impact of their situation on their quality of life. Understanding the ramifications of lower extremity ulcers and diabetes on patients is important to the health professional's ability to provide support during the illness process.