One of the most common problems that diabetics experience is a foot ulcer: about 12-25% of diabetic patients visit a healthcare institution for a foot disorder during their lifetime. A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore (mostly) located on the bottom of the foot of a diabetic patient.

One of the most common problems that diabetics experience is a foot ulcer: about 12-25% of diabetic patients visit a healthcare institution for a foot disorder during their lifetime. A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore (mostly) located on the bottom of the foot of a diabetic patient.

One of the most common problems that diabetics experience is a foot ulcer: about 12-25% of diabetic patients visit a healthcare institution for a foot disorder during their lifetime. A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore (mostly) located on the bottom of the foot of a diabetic patient. It may be caused by too much pressure on one part of the foot and can lead to serious infections and in extreme cases, amputations. Many patients need to be hospitalized due to foot ulcers and need serious wound care for a long time to get better. For a foot ulcer, patients usually get an initial medical assessment from their doctor, who provides immediate medical relief, however to achieve the best outcome usually a multidisciplinary approach is recommended by experts.

Physical Therapy (PT) is one of the most effective medical therapies to heal a diabetic foot ulcer (DFU). Wound Care through PT has several components to it, each of which addresses the wound in a holistic and sustainable manner. A physical therapist will start by assessing the wound through a pressure ulcer risk assessment to identify the nature, extent and risks of the wound. Subsequently, the therapist will give a prognosis, offer interventions and develop a care plan customized to the patient’s needs. This plan will include wound care, education for the patient and a therapy plan to improve mobility and the overall musculoskeletal function in a patient. The therapist also ensures that the patients consume a diet, which provides the body with adequate protein-calories.

It is important to find a PT facility that provides a wide range of therapies. Wound Care combined with other types of therapies can provide a more sustainable and effective solution to DFUs. Wound Care includes multiple dimensions. Wound healing is done through cleaning, removal of nonviable tissue through various methods and then managing the wound consequently by keeping it away from infection and providing it an optimal environment for fast recovery. Moreover, an expert therapist will identify exercises and lifestyle changes that can help avoid more ulcers in the future.

Complications caused by diabetes are the leading cause of non-traumatic lower leg amputations globally. It is best to seek a sustainable solution to ulcers caused by diabetes to avoid contracting irreversible infections. PT offers a holistic and life changing solution to diabetics with the utilization of specialized wound care.  Classic Rehabilitation Inc. in Bedford is a state of the art rehabilitation center that offers such Wound Care services along with many other specialty therapy options. Many of our therapists are skilled in healing difficult venous, arterial, decubitus and surgical wounds. We are committed to teaching our patients with lifelong solutions to wound problems and working with them to achieve a more independent life. Contact one of Classic Rehabilitation’s therapists in Grand Prairie, Arlington, or Bedford today to talk about your wound.