The vascular surgeon firstly performs a physical examination to inspect the ulcer. If the ulcer has reached the muscles and bones, the doctor will suggest some tests, such as X-Ray, MRI Scans, and Blood Tests.
Various Treatment Methods for Diabetic Foot Ulcer
Multiple treatment methods, surgical and non-surgical, are available for diabetic foot ulcers. The initial treatment is done by cleaning and disinfecting the ulcer. Then off-loading or total contact casting is suggested.
If non-surgical methods are ineffective, surgery is recommended to alleviate the pressure on the affected region, correct the deformities in the legs, and treat the infection. Debridement, reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, or vascular reconstruction is done to treat diabetic foot ulcers.
- Cost of debridement ranges from Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 55,000
- Cost of reconstructive foot and ankle surgery ranges from Rs. 1,00,000 to Rs. 2,50,000
- The complete vascular reconstruction may cost around Rs. 2-5 lacs approximately
The surgery is performed under spinal anesthesia or general anesthesia and takes around 2-3 hours to complete. In most cases, hospitalization is required after surgery to ensure that there are minimal chances of complications and the foot has started healing.
FAQs
What happens if a diabetic foot ulcer is not treated?
If a diabetic foot ulcer is not treated on time, it can lead to the following complications-
- Skin and bone infection
- Abscess in the skin
- Gangrene
- Deformities, such as metatarsal heads, pes cavus, claw feet, etc.
- Charcot's foot
- Amputation
If an ulcer doesn’t heal and the infection continues to spread in the body, the doctor will have to amputate the affected legs to save the patient’s life.
What causes delayed healing in a foot ulcer?
A foot ulcer will heal slowly if the patient has peripheral artery disease (PAD). In this condition, the blood supply in the legs is affected greatly due to the narrowing of the blood vessels. Thus, the doctor first has to address PAD and then use minimally invasive treatment methods to treat non-healing ulcers.
Is it possible to treat diabetic foot ulcers by antibiotics alone?
No. Antibiotic medicines are usually prescribed to a patient when the ulcer is infected. However, these medicines won’t be enough to treat the ulcers completely. Another reason why antibiotic medications are not enough to treat foot ulcers is because diabetic patients often develop antibiotic resistance due to which the medicine doesn’t have any effect.
What are the chances of getting foot ulcers again?
As diabetes is an incurable disease, it is very difficult to predict whether a foot ulcer will develop again or not. In case the patient doesn’t pay attention to his/her health, the chances will be higher. Therefore, it is crucial to get timely checkups, monitor the blood sugar levels, and check the feet and legs every day.
How to prevent an ulcer from becoming infected?
To prevent a diabetic foot ulcer from getting infected, follow the tips below-
- Keep the blood sugar levels in check and under control
- Clean the ulcer regularly and change the bandages carefully
- Cleanse the wound every day
- Avoid walking barefoot
- Take foot baths
- Try enzyme treatments
Recovery After Diabetic Foot Ulcer Treatment
Even after proper treatment, a foot ulcer requires extensive care to heal completely. The healing process takes around several weeks to several months. During this period, it is crucial to take all the precautions necessary to improve the healing process of the ulcer. The doctor is most likely to provide a recovery plan that will consist of the dos and don’ts after having diabetic foot ulcer surgery.
Insurance Coverage for Diabetic Foot Ulcers
A diabetic foot ulcer is a very serious condition that is generally covered under insurance. Thus, the patient can use the policy to pay the diabetic foot ulcer treatment cost. Most of the expenses associated with the treatment are covered by the insurance policy.
To get an estimate of how much diabetic foot ulcer treatment costs across various cities of India, book an appointment with the best vascular surgeons. Have a detailed consultation and learn all about the plausible treatment methods of diabetic foot ulcers.
