DIABETIC FOOT ULCERS: ACCELERATED HEALING WITH SHOCKWAVE THERAPY

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy has been shown to be helpful in healing diabetic foot ulcers. Low intensity shockwaves can help repair damaged tissue, researchers begin to study how ESWT can be used in complex soft tissue wounds with/without bone disruption.

Clinical trials show that the regenerative properties of ESWT can accelerate healing in comparison to standard methods of treatment.

Unlike high energy shockwave treatments that usually destroy kidney stones, low energy shockwave therapy stimulates tissue regeneration as opposed to destruction. Localized delivery of shockwave therapy can stimulate production of angiogenesis related growth factors resulting in new vessel growth that improves blood supply, increases cell proliferation and accelerates tissue healing and regeneration. In another study, researchers discovered that the disrupted bone and overlying soft tissue wounds healed rapidly. It can also offer antibacterial effects.

Courtesy of Barry Block, editor of PM News