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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