When you have diabetes, you can be at risk for a number of serious complications. One of the most common and significant complications is diabetic ulcers, which can lead to chronic infections and even amputations.
If you’re a diabetic prone to chronic diabetic ulcers, integrative medicine specialists Jake Schmutz, NMD, and Joshua Hersh, NMD, of Integrative Medica in Salt Lake City, Utah, offer an innovative solution called hyperbaric oxygen therapy that can treat and heal your wounds.
Find out more about hyperbaric oxygen therapy and how it can heal diabetic ulcers.
Diabetic ulcers are open wounds that most commonly develop on the bottom of your foot. Anyone can get a cut on their foot, but people with diabetes often get wounds more frequently and that are slower to heal.
Because diabetes can cause reduced circulation to your extremities, you might also have a harder time noticing the ulcers. This means you might be slower to take steps to treat a diabetic ulcer, leading to a greater risk of complications.
Without treatment, diabetic ulcers can lead to various complications. These include infections, abscesses, gangrene, and even amputation.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy harnesses the power of pure, highly concentrated oxygen to promote healing. Initially, it was discovered as a treatment for divers at risk of severe respiratory conditions when they surfaced too quickly after dives.
It turns out, hyperbaric oxygen therapy treats a variety of conditions that go beyond diving. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a good treatment for any medical issue caused by reduced oxygen flow in your body.
These conditions include:
When you receive hyperbaric oxygen therapy, your body absorbs the oxygen right into the plasma, or water, part of your blood, meaning it’s easy to absorb immediately. This causes tissue regeneration and faster healing.
You might also experience reduced symptoms of other frustrating issues like pain, headaches, and fatigue.
When your body receives pure oxygen in hyperbaric oxygen therapy, it sends tissue regeneration to where your body needs it. In the case of diabetic ulcers, it improves circulation to your limbs and extremities.
This causes your wounds to heal more quickly than they would without treatment. This lowers your risk of developing complications from diabetic foot ulcers and means you’re more likely to be able to safely resume your usual activities more quickly than after no intervention or other treatments.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is FDA approved for treating diabetic ulcers.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a comfortable and relaxing experience. During your treatment, you lie in a sealed oxygen chamber, where you receive pressurized oxygen.
A hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatment usually takes between 30 minutes and 2 hours. Our doctors let you know how many sessions they recommend for your unique situation.
If you have diabetic ulcers or other complications from diabetes, hyperbaric oxygen therapy can help. To learn more, contact us to schedule an appointment by calling our office or booking online today.
