Description
Diabetic foot ulcers are one of the most common and serious complications of diabetes. Poor circulation and nerve damage can make even a small wound difficult to heal, increasing the risk of infection and, in severe cases, amputation. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is an established treatment for selected patients with difficult-to-heal diabetic foot ulcers and is used alongside standard wound care to support healing.
What Is a Diabetic Foot Ulcer?
A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore or wound that develops on the feet of people living with diabetes. These ulcers commonly occur on the bottom of the foot and can become infected if not treated promptly. Reduced blood flow and nerve damage often mean that injuries go unnoticed and heal more slowly than normal.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a diabetic foot ulcer may include:
- An open sore on the foot
- Redness or swelling
- Drainage from the wound
- Pain (although some people feel little or no pain due to nerve damage)
- Bad odour from the wound
- Signs of infection such as warmth, pus or fever
If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice as soon as possible.
Causes
Diabetic foot ulcers are commonly caused by:
- Poor blood circulation
- Peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage)
- High blood sugar levels
- Pressure from poorly fitting footwear
- Cuts, blisters or injuries that go unnoticed
- Infection
Standard Treatment
Treatment usually includes:
- Careful wound cleaning
- Removal of dead tissue (debridement)
- Infection control with antibiotics when required
- Pressure relief using specialist footwear or casts
- Blood sugar management
- Regular wound monitoring
For some patients whose ulcers do not respond to conventional treatment, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy may be recommended as an additional treatment.
How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Helps
During Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, patients breathe 100% oxygen inside a pressurised medical chamber. The increased pressure allows significantly more oxygen to dissolve into the bloodstream and reach damaged tissues.
This additional oxygen may:
- Improve wound healing
- Support the growth of new blood vessels
- Reduce swelling
- Enhance the body’s natural ability to fight infection
- Stimulate tissue repair
- Improve oxygen delivery to areas with poor circulation
HBOT is used alongside standard diabetic wound care and is not intended to replace conventional medical treatment.
Clinical Evidence
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is an established treatment for selected difficult-to-heal diabetic foot ulcers. Clinical studies have shown that HBOT can improve healing in appropriate patients when combined with comprehensive wound care.
Treatment suitability depends on the severity of the ulcer, overall health and assessment by a qualified medical professional.
Who May Benefit?
HBOT may be appropriate for patients who:
- Have a diabetic foot ulcer that is slow to heal
- Have reduced circulation affecting wound healing
- Are receiving specialist diabetic wound care
- Have been advised by their healthcare professional that HBOT may be beneficial
Every patient should undergo an individual clinical assessment before treatment.
Why Choose Chase Hyperbaric?
Chase Hyperbaric provides treatment using a medical-grade hard-shell Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber operated by trained professionals. Every patient receives an assessment to determine whether Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is suitable for their individual needs.
The clinic aims to provide a comfortable treatment environment while working alongside your existing healthcare plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy painful?
No. Most patients simply relax inside the chamber while breathing pure oxygen.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions varies depending on the condition being treated and your clinical assessment.
Is HBOT a replacement for diabetic care?
No. HBOT is used alongside standard diabetic wound management and does not replace regular medical care.
Is HBOT suitable for everyone?
Not everyone is suitable for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. A clinical assessment is required before treatment begins.
Book a Consultation
If you have a diabetic foot ulcer that is proving difficult to heal, Chase Hyperbaric may be able to help. Contact our team to arrange a consultation and learn whether Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is suitable for your condition.