Living with diabetes means contending with a host of challenges, with one of the most debilitating being diabetic foot ulcers. These painful sores are a serious complication that can lead to foot amputation if not treated promptly.
In a given year, over 18 million people are affected by diabetic foot ulcers worldwide. As such, research is ongoing to find better treatments that not only heal but also prevent these ulcers from forming. For those currently dealing with diabetic foot ulcers, there are several options available, from wound care to hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Let’s dive deeper into these options and learn more about this difficult condition.
Understanding Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Diabetic foot ulcers are small open sores that form on the feet and take upwards of 12 weeks to heal. Those with diabetes are prone to getting them primarily for two reasons:
- Diabetes damages nerves, which reduces sensation in the feet. Hence, when they get a minor cut or blister on their foot, they typically don’t feel it. So when they go on with daily activities they do so without tending to the injury, allowing it to worsen.
- High blood sugar leads to poor blood flow, which means the body is unable to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the feet. This makes it difficult for wounds to heal and increases the chances of infection.
Treatment for Diabetic Foot Ulcers
In terms of treatment, diabetic foot ulcers need a multifaceted approach that can reduce pressure, prevent infection, and promote healing. There are several effective options available, as explained below.
Wound Care :
Wound care is a specialized process that revolves around promoting healing. Key components of this process include:
- Surgical Debridement
- Moisture Management
- Regular Monitoring
Regular debridement removes dead tissue that can accumulate due to the lack of nutrient-rich blood. While Surgical debridement can be done mechanically, surgical means may be needed in severe cases. Along with this, the wound is sterilized regularly with antimicrobial agents to protect the ulcer from external pathogens.
Managing moisture is also essential. This is achieved via appropriate dressings that prevent the wound from becoming too dry or too wet. Advanced wound care therapies, such as Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT), may be used to further accelerate healing. NPWT removes excess fluid, thereby promoting new tissue growth. Lastly, regular monitoring by healthcare professionals like Dr. Manjulatha Badam MD, CWSP, UHM, is necessary to ensure that wound care is hastening healing.
Infection Management
As diabetic individuals often have a compromised immune response, up to 60% of ulcers become infected. Early intervention through oral antibiotics can prevent this and your doctor will decide this. Antibiotics offer dual action. Firstly, they target and eliminate bacterial pathogens. Secondly, they reduce inflammation and prevent the infection from spreading.
The choice of antibiotics depends on the specific type of bacteria in the diabetic foot ulcer and your doctor will choose the antibiotic based on the clinical exam and wound culture results.
To understand which of these options may be effective for you, contact Vayu Advanced Wound Clinic and Hyperbarics today. Our staff will help you with your advanced wound or ulcer, creating a treatment and medication plan that is best suited for your situation and needs.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is an innovative approach that holds great promise in healing those with diabetic foot ulcers. It involves inhaling 100% pure oxygen in a higher pressure chamber. This significantly increases the amount of oxygen dissolved in the blood. This elevated oxygen level means more oxygen can be delivered to tissues and enhances ulcer healing.
Additional advantages of HBOT include:
- Enhanced Infection Control: Higher oxygen levels can help combat infections by improving the efficacy of antibiotics and strengthening the body’s immune response.
- Reduction of Inflammation: HBOT can decrease swelling and inflammation around the wound, which can contribute to a more favorable healing environment.
- Promotion of New Blood Vessel Formation: The therapy also promotes the production of new blood vessels, thus improving blood flow and supporting tissue regeneration.
Prevention is Key
While comprehensive treatment can achieve healing with time, it is necessary to highlight that nothing is more effective than prevention. It is crucial for those diagnosed with diabetes to maintain good blood sugar control. Not only does it significantly lower the risk of developing foot ulcers, but it also reduces the likelihood of other related complications.
Along with this, it is vital to have regular foot exams to detect the early signs of problems and maintain proper foot hygiene through daily washing and thorough drying, which helps to prevent infections and maintain healthy skin.
Offloading
Offloading encompasses reducing pressure on the affected area so the ulcer can heal. This can be done in a few ways:
- Custom-Made Orthotics: Specially designed shoe inserts that provide cushioning and support, thereby alleviating pressure on the ulcer.
- Non-Weight-Bearing Devices: In severe cases, crutches, wheelchairs, or other mobility aids may be necessary to ensure that the affected foot is not bearing weight.
The Role of Advanced Wound Care Clinics
For those dealing with diabetic foot ulcers, seeking assistance at an advanced wound care clinic like Vayu can make a substantial difference in achieving complete and effective treatment. Not only do clinics like ours employ a multidisciplinary team of experts, but they also offer specialized treatments tailored to each patient’s needs.
Moreover, they utilize a range of advanced technologies and therapies, including Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), to reduce healing time so that individuals can regain their mobility and overall quality of life. At the same time, these clinics provide comprehensive guidance, helping patients manage their diabetes and prevent ulcers from reoccurring.
Get Effective Treatment with Vayu Advanced Wound Clinic and Hyperbarics
Managing diabetic foot ulcers may feel overwhelming, but with appropriate treatment, they can be healed. However, it demands a multifaceted approach that includes offloading, meticulous wound care, effective infection management, and advanced therapies like hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a diabetic foot ulcer, seek treatment at Vayu with Dr. Manjulatha Badam MD, CWSP, UHM,. Our hyperbaric therapy and wound care for diabetic foot ulcers have been shown to accelerate healing and improve outcomes for many. Visit our website or contact us today for more information.