Diabetic foot ulcers.
As it has been explained on other pages of this site, people suffering from diabetes are at high risk for foot injuries, ulcers and infections. The causes for such complications  are the reduced sensation, due to neuropathy and inadequate blood circulation. The latest is referred to as peripheral arterial occlusive disease. Nerve damages will make a common foot problem to remain unnoticed or underestimated and neglected. Lack of in time treatment will potentially lead to ulceration and infection. The latest will worsen because of the reduced blood flow in the affected area. For more information, read our Diabetes and Foot Care topic. Although such a pathological condition can take place in any part of the body, specialists focus their interest on feet, when an injury, ulceration and infection can happen far easier.
Foot ulcers are wounds or open sores that are persistent or recurrent. Ulcers are more likely to occur in the lower extremities because of the pressure applied on feet and the friction that develops between the skin and the socks or shoe and occasionally between the toes themselves. Common foot problems and structural foot deformities, due to improper posture, while standing or walking are the main causes for foot injuries and ulcers.
Infections can happen more easily, because some times, perfect hygiene is difficult to be sustained in the area of the foot.
About fifteen million people in the United States have been diagnosed with diabetes and approximately fifteen percent develop chronic ulcers of the foot and leg.
It has to be mentioned that diabetic foot complications are the major causative factors of non-accidental lower extremity amputations in developed countries. Lower limb amputation is fifteen times more likely to be needed in diabetic than non-diabetic people.
Symptoms of diabetic foot ulcers.
A foot ulcer may cause pain or may not produce any discomfort whatsoever, depending whether the nervous system functions properly or not. As a mater of fact the latest case is the dangerous one, since the person does not get any warning signals and the ulcer can be ignored and remain untreated. Typically, the affected area can get swollen and may feel burning or itchy. Redness, brown discoloration, dryness or excessive roughness of the skin may occur, as well.
Consequences of diabetic foot ulcers.
The risk for infected foot ulcers is huge in diabetics, especially if the blood glucose control is poor. Smokers are far more susceptible to foot infections that do not respond to treatment. Persistent foot ulcers are a common cause of amputation in people suffering from diabetes, because at an advanced stage, osteitis, osteomyelitis and gangrene may occur. Gangrene is a very serious complication that may lead to septicemia. Approximately five percent of patients diagnosed with diabetes eventually undergo a lower limb amputation due to gangrene. Among diabetes sufferers, 90% of all foot or leg amputations occur in smokers. As soon as the very early signs of ulceration appear, urgent consultation with a podiatrist, dermatologist, orthopedist, vascular surgeon or family doctor is required. Occasionally, x-rays are essential, in order a bone involvement to be diagnosed in time.
Prevention and treatment of diabetic foot ulcers.
 For successful prevention and treatment of diabetic foot ulcers, the underlying condition must be determined first. A doctor will check, whether a blood circulation or neurogenic problem has developed or not.
In cases that diabetic neuropathy is diagnosed, relevant medications may be prescribed. This measure is more preventive rather than therapeutic, since good or reasonable function of peripheral nervous system will restore the sensation and make any new foot ulcer noticeable but it will not heal an existing ulcer.
When it comes to healing of foot ulcers, good blood supply is essential. Thus, any arterial obstruction will be investigated and evaluated. After that, certain surgical measures will be taken to restore the adequate blood flow into the affected area. Balloon and laser angioplasty, combined with the use of stents, are the most common options. Depending on the clinical state of an infected foot ulcer, surgical removal of dead tissue may be necessary.
Proper foot care and hygiene can help in treatment of a plantar ulcer, providing blood circulation is adequate enough to support healing.
The good thing is that although a large proportion of diabetic foot ulcers are quite deep, they have adequate blood supply. In such a case, selection of proper shoes is very important. The shoe must absorb any excessive pressure and maintain a comfortable  environment around the wound. Otherwise, specials shoe modifications may be needed to disperse weight away from the ulcerated area.
Therapeutic shoes, foot health aids, soft special layers and foot skin care preparations are in the front line for prevention and treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. Try the relevant above links and you will be guided how to find these products online.
Special pharmaceutical and biological dressings may be prescribed for treatment of recurrent or persisting diabetic foot ulcers. Along with satisfactory blood flow, such preparations can treat infection and promote healing. Topical dressings can be skin special substitutes, creams, ointments or bandages, containing antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial agents, like antiseptics or antibiotics.
Skin special substitutes have been proved very promising. They are applied on the ulcerated area and promote healing in a natural way. Skin special substitutes are elaborated, organic gauze-like materials, carrying human cells, called fibroblasts. The latest are responsible for the production of important structural skin elements, such as collagen and elastin. Gradually, this material is absorbed and the fibroblasts start repairing the damaged skin. Skin special substitutes have been modified and tested accordingly, in order to be hypoallergenic.
Becaplermin / Regranex in treatment of diabetic foot ulcers.
Becaplermin / Regranex is a jelly preparation that is often prescribed for treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. This product contains proteins derived from platelets. These proteins enhance the topical healing ability. Clinical studies have indicated that complete ulcer healing takes place within twenty weeks of treatment, when Becaplermin / Regranex is used. The preparation is considered effective in nearly 92% of the clinical cases, providing its use is combined with other necessary treatments. The latest include surgical removal of dead tissues, very good daily hygiene and prevention of any pressure or friction on the affected area.
Try the following link, if you want to be guided how to find Becaplermin / Regranex online.
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