Diabetic ulcers

Many sufferers from diabetes will be well aware of the pain and distress caused by non-healing ulcers, typically to feet and ankles, that can arise from this condition and the onset of diabetic gangrene which can lead to possible limb amputation.

Many are less aware however that light therapy (phototherapy) can be effective in helping to stimulate a wide variety of stubborn and chronic wounds to heal, including diabetic ulcers.

Laser therapy has been available for some time but this usually requires visiting a trained therapist.  The areas which can be treated by laser are quite small, so it is a long and difficult process, but the latest non-laser phototherapy products now offer much larger treatment areas.  The lower light intensity means that they are safe to use at home and areas such as a whole foot can be treated in just a few minutes.  This means that sufferers can treat themselves in the comfort and convenience of their own home whilst reading a book or watching television.

In severe cases treatment for long periods at a time is ineffective, as the body will only absorb a certain amount of light energy at any one time.  It is better to treat little and often, so this makes treatment at home an especially attractive option.

Light therapy can be applied whenever the wound is clean and exposed and only takes a few minutes.  Because all it does is stimulate the body's own natural healing processes it does not interfere with other treatments and can be used alongside normal routines.

For further details visit the Chronic Wounds page