Healing Diabetic Foot Ulcers with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

Diabetic foot ulcers are a serious problem for people with diabetes. If not treated quickly, they can cause severe infections and may require hospitalization or even amputation. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) uses oxygen to support the body’s natural healing process.

Understanding Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Diabetic foot ulcers happen because of several health challenges that people with diabetes face. These challenges include reduced blood flow, nerve damage that limits feeling in the feet, and slower wound healing. The American Diabetes Association reports that about 15% of people with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer during their life.

These wounds can become infected when left untreated and pose serious health risks. Thus, if not cared for properly, ulcers can quickly become dangerous.

Catching and treating foot ulcers early is essential. People with diabetes should:

  • Never walk around barefoot
  • Check their feet regularly
  • Treat any wounds immediately
  • Work closely with their healthcare team
  • Learn how to prevent foot injuries

By taking these steps, individuals can lower their chances of infection and avoid more serious complications like amputation.

The Role of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in healing diabetic foot ulcers and wounds

The Role of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is a unique treatment for wound healing. Patients lay in a sealed chamber during this therapy and breathe pure oxygen at higher-than-normal air pressure. This allows more oxygen to enter the bloodstream, helping the body repair damaged tissues more quickly.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved this treatment for diabetic foot ulcers that are not healing well with other treatments. When standard wound care isn’t working, HBOT can offer hope.

How HBOT works:

  • Increases oxygen in the blood
  • Supports tissue repair
  • Reaches areas with limited blood circulation
  • Helps fight infection
  • Provides an alternative when other treatments fail

How HBOT Promotes Healing

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) helps heal diabetic foot ulcers in several important ways:

  • Oxygen Boost: When oxygen levels increase, wounds heal faster. This therapy helps create new blood vessels, improving blood flow to damaged areas.
  • Reducing Swelling: HBOT decreases inflammation and swelling around the wound. This creates a better environment for healing and helps the body repair itself more effectively.
  • Fighting Infections: Oxygen-rich environments make it harder for harmful bacteria to grow. This therapy can also help antibiotics work more effectively when fighting wound infections.

Medical research shows that HBOT can improve healing for diabetic foot ulcers that are slow to recover. When used alongside standard wound care, this therapy can help reduce the risk of serious complications like amputations.

What to Expect During Treatment

What to Expect During Treatment

Here is what you can expect:

Treatment Process: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy involves sitting or lying comfortably in a special pressurized chamber. Each session typically lasts about 90 minutes, and the total number of treatments depends on the severity of the wound.

Before Each Session, your healthcare team will check your vital signs and ensure you are comfortable before starting the session.

During the Treatment, you might feel pressure changes similar to those you experience in an airplane. Most patients find the process comfortable and relaxing. You can rest, watch TV, or listen to music during the treatment.

After the Treatment, your care team will regularly check your wound to track its healing progress and ensure you respond well to the therapy.

Potential Side Effects 

While HBOT is usually safe, some patients might experience:

  • Mild ear discomfort
  • Slight tiredness after the session

Your healthcare providers will be available to answer questions and address any concerns you may have during the treatment.

Patient receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy for a diabetic foot ulcer.

Is HBOT Right for You?

HBOT might help if you have a diabetic foot ulcer that isn’t healing with standard treatments. This therapy could be helpful if your wound has:

  • Reduced blood flow
  • Ongoing infection
  • Slow healing progress

When to Consider HBOT: Your healthcare provider will carefully review your case. They will look at several important factors:

  • Your overall health condition
  • The severity of the wound
  • How you’ve responded to other treatments

To determine whether HBOT is a good option for you, schedule a detailed discussion with your doctor. They can assess your specific situation and recommend the best treatment approach.

Next Steps to Healing Diabetic Foot Ulcers 

Diabetic foot ulcers can be challenging health problems that require careful and prompt attention. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a promising treatment for difficult-to-heal wounds. Schedule an appointment with us to learn how HBOT can improve your health.