Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcers

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Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Last updated Dec 17, 2008
Medifocus.com

Multidisciplinary Approach to Treatment

Studies have shown that a multidiciplinary approach to the management of patients with diabetic foot ulcers, involving health care professionals with expertise in a wide ranges of medical disciplines, reduces complications and improves outcome. Esseential members of a multidisciplinary team for the management of diabetic foot ulcers include:

* Diabetologist - a physician who specializes in the treatment of diabetes to help the patient better control and prevent wide fluctuations in blood glucose levels
* Nurse - to provide patient education particularly in the areas of improved diabetes control and foot hygiene to prevent recurrence of diabetic foot ulcers
* Orthotist - to fabricate special prescription footwear (e.g., insoles; wedges; heel cups) to protect the diabetic foot and prevent further complications
* Podiatrist - a health care professional who specializes in the treatment of foot problems including diabetic foot ulcers
* Vascular surgeon - a physician who specializes in surgery of the blood vessels to treat peripheral vascular disease that may be the underlying cause of diabetic foot ulcers
* Neurologist - a physician who specializes in the treatment of diseases of the nervous system to treat peripheral neuropathy that may the underlying cause of diabetic foot ulcers

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