Options For Treating Diabetic Ulcers

Surgical Removal Of Foot Deformities

Wound healing techniques have advanced considerably in the last decade, and doctors try numerous techniques to avoid the need for surgery. Medical-grade honey, silver ointments, and other new methods can often get an ulcer under control without surgical intervention. If other methods have failed, doctors may still recommend the surgical removal of foot deformities. This is generally used in cases where an ulcer has become infected so severely that it has spread to the bones of the ankles, feet, or legs. Before surgery, doctors will order x-rays to assess the full extent of the infection. Surgery may be done with local anesthetics, and some patients will need general anesthesia. Surgery may simply involve removing dead tissue and cleaning the wound. During the operation, doctors may also surgically remove any corns, calluses, blisters, and other foot deformities with the potential to form ulcers. For more advanced infections, it is sometimes necessary to amputate toes or another part of the foot. Following any foot surgery, patients will need to change dressings regularly and will likely be wearing a cast or orthopedic boot.