What toe pressure indicates that a foot or toe ulcer has not healed?

A toe pressure of 30 mmHg is significant in assessing the healing potential of a foot or toe ulcer. Research indicates that a toe pressure below 30 mmHg typically suggests that the ulcer is unlikely to heal effectively due to insufficient blood flow or perfusion to the area. Adequate blood supply is crucial for tissue healing, and pressures below this threshold often indicate compromised vascular health, which is a critical factor in wound healing.

In contrast, higher toe pressure measurements—such as 35 mmHg or 40 mmHg—are generally associated with better perfusion and a higher likelihood of healing. A measurement of 25 mmHg also falls below the critical threshold, but a pressure of 30 mmHg is specifically recognized in clinical settings as a definitive indicator of the inability of the ulcer to heal effectively. Therefore, the understanding that 30 mmHg serves as a clinical cutoff point is essential for wound management and determining further intervention strategies.