If you want to learn more about how hyperbaric oxygen therapy treats diabetic foot ulcers, keep reading below! Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is an advanced medical treatment that involves two primary elements: a pressurized chamber and pure oxygen. A monoplace (or single-person) hyperbaric oxygen chamber is pressurized to two to three times more than the standard atmospheric pressure. You will breathe 100% pure oxygen while inside the chamber. That is nearly 80% more oxygen than you usually inhale from the air outside. The health benefits associated with breathing in that much oxygen include faster healing, the ability to better fight infection and increasing the amount of oxygen that reaches the body’s cells.
Although breathing in more oxygen improves circulation by increasing the amount of oxygen to your cells, it does not take the place of procedures to restore blood flow if that is needed. The enhanced circulation will stimulate the immune system and the body’s natural healing processes. The increased oxygen can also reduce inflammation and help build new blood vessels to replace damaged ones. If you’re dealing with a diabetic foot ulcer, our hyperbaric oxygen therapy can help accelerate healing. Schedule your appointment today—call us at (619) 470-4325
How Does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Treat Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Diabetic foot ulcers are open wounds or sores on the feet of a patient with diabetes. They are a severe symptom of nearly 15% to 20% of diabetic patients and oftentimes comes from not having feeling in the feet, and not recognizing pain or trauma to the foot.
According to a 2018 research study, hyperbaric oxygen therapy successfully treated approximately 74.2% of participants with diabetic foot ulcers, as long as the patient had treatment for infection (if present) and had restoration of blood flow if needed and if possible. The oxygen stimulated the healing process and the development and growth of new tissue.
Each hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatment lasts approximately 120 minutes. Depending on the severity of your diabetic ulcers, you will need 30 to 60 hyperbaric sessions to heal the diabetic ulcers. More severe ulcers can involve an infection of the bones in your foot, which typically requires 60 treatments. The hyperbaric medical professionals will discuss this with you in detail during your consultation with them.
Most patients have reported quick recovery time and no adverse side effects. There is also an indication that hyperbaric oxygen therapy increases collagen production and tissue regeneration. These bodily activities are critical for supporting collagen synthesis for extra strength in healing the wounds caused by diabetic ulcers.
Additional Treatment Tips for Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is one highly effective treatment for certain diabetic foot ulcers. In order to prevent foot ulcers, it is recommended that you:
- Exercising regularly as able
- Receive treatment for infections by taking antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor
- Taking diabetes medication as prescribed by your doctor
- Quitting smoking
- Using special shoes and/or devices to take the pressure off of your feet. Inspecting your feet daily to see if there are any reddened areas or cuts or bruises that you did not know were there
If you cannot prevent a foot ulcer, then you need to contact a wound care center for treatment, and the doctors there will determine if you are a candidate for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Request a Consultation for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy to Treat Your Diabetic Ulcer
Are you interested in learning more about wound care and hyperbaric oxygen therapy for treating diabetic ulcers in San Diego? Contact HeadMedO2 to schedule a consultation with one of the leading hyperbaric medical professionals: (619) 470-4325
