Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Accelerating the Healing Process of Diabetic Foot Wounds and Reducing the Risk of Infection

Diabetic foot is an important health problem for diabetic patients, especially those living in Istanbul. The effects of diabetes on the foot and diabetic foot symptoms can seriously affect patients’ quality of life. Diabetic foot wounds are among the serious complications faced by diabetic patients. As a result of reduced blood flow and nerve damage, the healing process of these wounds can be delayed and the risk of infection can increase. One treatment method used to overcome this challenge is hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HOT). HOT aims to accelerate the healing process of wounds and reduce the risk of infection by administering pure oxygen under high pressure. In this article, we will examine the effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on diabetic foot wounds and its relationship with diabetic foot symptoms.

For basic information about diabetic foot, you can read our article What Happens When Diabetes Affects the Feet?.

What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a treatment method in which pure oxygen is administered under high pressure. In this method, the patient is placed in a special pressure chamber and pure oxygen is inhaled as the pressure inside the chamber is increased. The increase in pressure allows oxygen to be transported more effectively to the tissues in the body. Thus, more oxygen reaches the injured tissues and the healing process is accelerated.

Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on Diabetic Foot Wounds

Diabetic foot wounds are common and serious complications of diabetes that require treatment. The healing process of these wounds can often be long and challenging. This is where hyperbaric oxygen therapy comes into play. So, how does hyperbaric oxygen therapy affect diabetic foot wounds?

• Promotes Tissue Regeneration Hyperbaric oxygen therapy promotes tissue regeneration by carrying more oxygen to injured tissues. Pure oxygen delivered under high pressure increases the amount of oxygen in the tissues. As the solubility of oxygen increases under high pressure, more oxygen is transported to injured tissues. This accelerates the healing process and allows wounds to close more quickly.

• Reduces the Risk of Infection Since diabetic foot wounds carry a risk of infection, infection control is important in treatment. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy ensures that oxygen given under high pressure prevents the growth of bacteria and microorganisms. In this way, the risk of infection is reduced and the wounds heal in a healthier way.

• Improves Blood Flow Diabetic foot wounds often experience a delay in the healing process due to insufficient blood flow. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy increases the blood flow of oxygen delivered under high pressure, bringing more oxygen to areas with insufficient blood flow. This allows tissues to be better nourished and promotes the healing process.

How is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Administered?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy should be administered by a specialized healthcare team. The treatment process begins after the patient is placed in a special pressure chamber. Inside the chamber, the pressure is increased and the patient breathes pure oxygen. Treatment sessions usually last 1 to 2 hours and may continue for several weeks or months. The duration and frequency of treatment is determined depending on the condition of the wound and the needs of the patient.

How is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Administered?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy should be administered by a specialized healthcare team. The treatment process begins after the patient is placed in a special pressure chamber. Inside the chamber, the pressure is increased and the patient breathes pure oxygen. Treatment sessions usually last 1 to 2 hours and may continue for several weeks or months. The duration and frequency of treatment is determined depending on the condition of the wound and the needs of the patient. This treatment can accelerate the healing process for patients showing diabetic foot symptoms.

For more detailed information about diabetic foot treatment, you can review our treatment methods page.

What are Diabetic Foot Symptoms?

Diabetic foot symptoms include wounds, redness, swelling, pain, heat increase, and non-healing wounds in the foot. These symptoms can become more severe if foot health is not taken care of in diabetic patients. In Istanbul diabetic foot treatment centers, hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be recommended for patients showing these symptoms.

For more information about diabetic foot symptoms and complications, you can read our article Osteomyelitis (Bone Infection).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a treatment method that administers pure oxygen under high pressure to accelerate wound healing and reduce infection risk.

How does hyperbaric oxygen therapy work?

It works by increasing oxygen delivery to injured tissues, promoting tissue regeneration, reducing infection risk, and improving blood flow.

Is hyperbaric oxygen therapy effective for diabetic foot?

Yes, it is particularly effective for diabetic foot wounds as it addresses the underlying issues of poor blood flow and tissue oxygenation.

How long does hyperbaric oxygen therapy take?

Treatment sessions typically last 1-2 hours and may continue for several weeks or months depending on the wound condition.

Are there any side effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

Side effects are generally mild and may include ear pressure, temporary vision changes, or fatigue. Serious side effects are rare.

Conclusion

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is an effective method to accelerate the healing process of diabetic foot wounds and reduce the risk of infection. However, this treatment method should be evaluated together with other treatment options and should be guided by specialist physicians. It is important to discuss diabetic foot ulcers with your doctor to determine the most appropriate treatment plan. If you are showing diabetic foot symptoms, you should consult a specialist without delay. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, when applied correctly, can improve the quality of life of patients and positively affect the healing process. Istanbul diabetic foot treatment centers can help you in this regard.

For more information about diabetic foot and wound care, you can also read our article Burger Disease and Wound Care.