Various Techniques Bring New Approach to Healing Foot Ulcers

Various Techniques Bring New Approach to Healing Foot Ulcers

Foot UlcersAccording to Alan Donald, research by several groups had given birth to the development of new techniques for treating DFU’s, or diabetic foot ulcers. Negative-pressure wound therapy utilizes a vacuum to remove liquid and necrotic tissue while oxygen therapy is based on the idea that oxygen could enhance cell division and fibrous tissue disposition. Vascular and microsurgery are considered viable options in cases that could lead to amputation. Stem cell therapy, while showing promise, is still in its infancy stage. Moisture, antibiotics, and oxygen are considered to be the three major components when it comes to wound therapy. Ulcers are caused by breaches in skin that do not heal and are usually caused by injuries, sensory loss, poor circulation or skin infections.

Your feet are an important part of your body. If you believe you are suffering from a systemic disease, you should seek out the care of a podiatrist like Dr. Alan Discont of Family Foot & Ankle Care, PC. Dr. Discont can diagnose your condition as well as provide you with treatment options that work for you.  

Systemic Diseases of the Foot

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable. Systemic diseases include: gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Some common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs, which relieves pain and inflammation and other drugs which lowers the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus- is an increase in the level of blood sugar in which the body cannot counteract with the insulin in the body. When the body doesn’t produce enough insulin this is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

â— Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

â— Peripheral Vascular Disease- can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of our two offices which are located in Sun Lakes or Chandler, AZ. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more on systemic diseases of the foot.