Foot ulcers are the leading cause of lower-extremity amputations due to infection. The longer the wound remains open, the more likely it can become infected.

Here at Advanced Foot & Ankle Centers of Illinois, we strive for the best. We work with the patient to successfully heal his or her ulcer through the integration of advanced wound care products into our wound care management, facilitating closure of the wound.

Untreated foot ulcers can develop into foot infections that can be limb-threatening or life-threatening. Of note, the mortality rate at 9 years is 68% for both diabetic and non-diabetic lower extremity amputees.

With that said, it is imperative that you see a podiatrist if you have a lower extremity ulcer or wound so that you can be properly and thoroughly taken care of. To see what your options are, come see us at Advanced Foot & Ankle Centers of Illinois. Remember, we value limb preservation and will do everything that we can to preserve your limb!

Things we can do to heal diabetic foot wounds

• MLS laser therapy to increase blood flow to wound area
• Regenerative skin grafts – We use many types of Amniotic and placental base skin grafts in the office.
• Vascular testing – 3-minute test performed in office to check blood flow to your feet. Immediate results read by doctor.
• Offloading with orthotics and wound healing shoes.

44-year-old male who smokes with a history of nerve damage in the right leg presented to the office with a non-healing wound of the right foot.  The patient had no feeling in his right leg.  The wound was treated with a combination of UltraMist, MLS laser therapy, orthotics to offload the area, and Amniotic skin grafts.  The UltraMist, MLS laser, and Amniotic skin grafts were applied weekly. The patient is a pipe fitter and was constantly on his feet. Due to financial stresses, the patient was unable to stop working.  It took 10 weeks with 8 Amniotic skin grafts to heal the wound.  The wound is still healed 5 years later.