How to Cure Foot Ulcers
You have probably heard of mouth ulcers and leg ulcers, but what about foot ulcers? Yes you can get foot ulcers and they are quite common. You may be surprised to hear that they are one of the most costly conditions to the NHS and can be a serious threat to life and limb. However in the vast majority of cases they are curable with the right care but they are definitely one of those conditions where prevention (generally with correct foot care) is better than cure. So if you have been told you are susceptible to foot ulcers, then please look after your feet and see a suitably-trained and knowledgeable foot professional possibly for help with regular foot care and definitely at the first sign of any problems.
The first stage in achieving cure of a foot ulcer is to assess the underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to it, and the type of ulcer it is – diabetic, neuropathic, ischaemic, pressure, venous (or a combination of those) are some of the most common. Once we know that information, then indepth assessments to understanding healing ability should be carried out. This may involve toe / ankle pressure index calculations, requesting blood tests / X-rays / scans, and evaluating clinical features of the ulcer, the foot, and the rest of the body if necessary. Getting to know the person who has the ulcer is important as many additional factors can affect healing capacity, including such things as ability to attend appointments, maintenance of personal hygiene, and support at home.
Then we formulate a treatment plan that will provide optimal chances for the ulcer to heal. This may involve debridement of the wound, appropriate antibiotics, special dressings, paddings, insoles, footwear, and laser therapy, but occasionally surgery may be required. For 8 years in the 1990s I was Diabetic Foot and Wound Care Specialist for South Warwickshire NHS and I used all sorts of treatments and dressings (including maggot therapy) often with good success. However the most amazing treatment tool I managed to get my hands on was a low level laser therapy unit which was loaned to me by the manufacturers. Unfortunately South Warwickshire NHS funding as the time did not enable the purchase of such a unit nor its successor device (and still hasn’t as far as I am aware). At Health First in Southam, we invest in the some of the best technologies available and so for the past few years our patients have benefitted from the more advanced version of laser technology – high intensity laser therapy.
A recent example of a patient who has benefitted from our care with laser therapy for a post-surgical ulcer which was not making any progress despite many months of once/twice weekly redressings by their GP Practice Nurse. At the end of February this year, the patient asked me for assistance with the ulcer, and just 8 weeks later, it had all healed – much to the patient’s delight.
As well as its use in wound & ulcer healing, high intensity laser therapy can be used in the treatment of a variety of other conditions including:
- Arthritis
- Tendinopathies
- Plantar fasciitis
- General aches and pains
- Ligament sprains
- Muscle tears
- Neuropathy
- Neuromas
- Bursitis
So if you have a foot ulcer or would like to see if laser therapy could help you then call us on 01926 811272, email health1first@aol.com, or visit www.healthfirstsoutham.co.uk/book-appointment. We look forward to helping you as “WE FIX THE FEET THAT OTHERS CAN’T FIX”.
Jonathan Small, Lead Podiatrist, Health First Foot & Gait Clinic, health1first@aol.com, 01926 811272
“Jonathan is very professional and it is clear he has good knowledge and actually enjoys what he does and wants to help you, I had 1 visit for MLS laser therapy and within hours I felt the benefits – all my symptoms eased – cannot wait to see what more will do and improve.” K.W., Towcester