How to treat Diabetic Foot Ulcerations

Diabetic Foot Ulcer Treatment Options - Orange County Southern California

Pressure accounts for 99% of why a diabetic foot ulcer occurs. 

Get rid of the pressure and the ulcer will heal.

(if there is an infection present or poor circulation the healing time will be compromised)

OPTION 1

Offloading

Diabetic Shoes
Felt pads
Total Contact Casting
Offloading Walking Boots
CAM Walker
CROW Walker
Wheel Chair

Topical medication - There are so many things that can go on, this is not the main treatment factor. Keep the wound clean. You can spend thousands of dollars on topical medication, if pressure remains then the ulcer will not close.


OPTION 2

Surgery

The goal of surgery is to change the forces around the ulcer and allow faster healing.

Some patients are not able to comply with the offloading treatment (Option 1). Be honest with yourself.

Walking from the bed to the bathroom without protection on your feet negates an entire day of offloading.

Just because you have diabetes does NOT mean you can not have surgery. Surgery is very safe in diabetics. Glucose needs to be closely monitored. Poor glucose control can increase chance of post operative infection.

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An ulceration should be getting smaller every week, every month.

If the size of the ulcer has not changed then the treatment protocol needs to be re-evaluated.

I hate to see open ulcerations for a prolonged period of time because it will increase a chance of bone infection, soft tissue infection, or even becoming septic.

For more information on treatment options please contact Dr. Gennady Kolodenker, DPM, AACFAS
Specializing in Limb Preservation in Orange County.