Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a common and potentially serious complication of diabetes mellitus, particularly for individuals with long-standing and poorly controlled diabetes. These ulcers develop primarily due to neuropathy (nerve damage) and poor blood circulation in the feet, making them slow to heal and prone to infection
Diabetic Foot Ulcers Causes
Neuropathy: High blood sugar levels over an extended period can damage nerves, particularly those in the legs and feet. Diabetic neuropathy can lead to reduced sensation in the affected areas, making it challenging to detect injuries, such as cuts or blisters.
Poor blood circulation: Diabetes can affect blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the extremities. This diminished circulation impairs the body’s ability to deliver essential nutrients and oxygen to the tissues, hindering the natural healing process.
Trauma and pressure: Prolonged pressure or friction on the feet, combined with reduced sensation, can lead to the development of calluses, blisters, and eventually, ulcers. Ill-fitting shoes or walking abnormalities can exacerbate this issue.
In severe cases surgical debridement (removal of dead tissue) or amputation may be required to prevent the infection’s spread. Before reaching this stage however, there are several non-surgical treatments available that can help alleviate symptoms including physiotherapy, shockwave treatment and EMTT.
Our Shockwave Treatments
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Therapy for Diabetics with Frozen Shoulder
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Diabetic Foot Ulcers Treatment
Physiotherapy
One of the primary goals of physiotherapy in DFU management is to enhance blood circulation in the affected areas. Our physiotherapists use various techniques, including therapeutic exercises and massage to stimulate blood flow. Improved circulation facilitates the delivery of oxygen and essential nutrients to the wounded tissues, supporting the natural healing process.
Additionally, we can develop exercise programs that address neuropathy-related issues. These can improve balance, coordination, and muscle strength, helping to reduce the risk of falls and injuries that can lead to DFUs.
In cases where ulcers are present, we can recommend offloading techniques that reduce pressure on the affected areas. This may involve the use of special footwear to redistribute pressure and promote healing.
Shockwave Therapy
While Shockwave therapy is a relatively new treatment option it has been shown to be effective in treating DFU’s. At our clinic we have been using focussed shockwave as a DFU treatment for some time. The therapy involves the use of high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing in the affected area. The sound waves help increase blood flow to the area, which can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Shockwave Therapy & Diabetic Foot Ulcers Research
In a study published in the Journal Medicine into the effects of Shockwave therapy on DFU’s on 25 patients the authors concluded that, “since ESWT is a safe and effective method for treating DFU, it is worthy of active consideration as a standard treatment for DFU.”
You can read the full text of this research – “Application of extracorporeal shockwave therapy to improve microcirculation in diabetic foot ulcers: A prospective study” – by following this link.
While a more recent study published in September 2023 in the Journal of Medical Sciences concluded, “ESWT facilitated diabetic wound healing more effectively than HyperBaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) by suppressing the inflammatory response and enhancing cellular proliferation and neovascularization and tissue regeneration.”
These studies are in line with our own experience of successfully treating patients with DFU’s.
We administer EMTT through a handheld device that is placed over the affected area. The treatment is painless and non-invasive, and typically takes just a few minutes to complete. Patients may receive several EMTT sessions over the course of a few weeks, depending on the severity of their symptoms.
EMTT Therapy for Diabetic Foot Ulcers
We are now using ElectroMagnetic Transduction Therapy (EMTT) in conjunction with Shockwave therapy as we have found the combination of the two treatments especially effective for dealing with DFU’s.
EMTT is a non-invasive treatment that uses electromagnetic waves to stimulate healing in the affected area. The treatment works by producing a pulsed electromagnetic field that penetrates the tissues of the foot and stimulates cellular activity. This increased cellular activity can help to reduce inflammation, increase blood flow, and promote tissue repair, all of which can improve the symptoms of DFU’s.
One of the major advantages of EMTT is that it is a non-invasive treatment that does not require any medication or surgery. This makes it a safe and convenient treatment option for patients who are looking for a non-invasive alternative to more invasive treatments.
We are one of the few clinics in the country offering this as a solution to this painful condition and we recommend you book an appointment soon.
ABOUT SHOCKWAVE CLINICS
Shockwave Clinics Ltd is the leading shockwave clinic in London and the UK with the most advanced and comprehensive range of shockwave and complimentary technologies, including magneto transduction therapy and radio frequency.
For over 10-years we have been using Focused Shockwave to treat numerous muscular problems caused by sports injuries as well as back pain, problems caused by invasive surgery and simple old age.