Key Benefits of Maggot Therapy as a Podiatry Diabetes Treatment Service

For patients with diabetes, foot ulcers are a real problem. The open sores or wounds affect approximately 15% of all diabetic patients, and the wounds are often located beneath the foot. Some patients in this group end up being hospitalised due to infection complications, which can, at times, lead to amputation. However, it is vital to understand that doctors only recommend amputation when an ulcer or wound is far gone and the tissue has become necrotic. That said, patients don't have to undergo amputation, and this is all thanks to modern medicine and particularly maggot therapy. The form of podiatry diabetes treatment has helped save the limbs of many patients, and this article highlights the benefits of the procedure.

Eliminates Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria

Open podiatric ulcers are a haven for all manner of bacteria. When they collect and accumulate, the large colonies of bacteria form a protective layer of slime commonly referred to as a biofilm. The biofilm effectively shields the bacteria from immune cells and antibiotics, and that is why podiatric wounds are difficult to heal. Maggot therapy, as a form of podiatry diabetes treatment, is highly effective in debriding non-healing necrotic skin as well as soft tissue. Furthermore, the special larvae used in maggot therapy only consume rotting flesh and leave behind healthy tissues. It is particularly important because if necrotic tissue spreads past the ankle, amputation will be done at the knee. However, maggot therapy in the same scenario can save a significant portion of the limb.

Avoids a Lot of Medication

When attending to podiatric ulcers, doctors usually administer several different antibiotics in addition to diabetes medication. It can take a toll on the patient's overall health as they become dependent on these medications. Over time, the bacteria in the foot ulcers develop immunity over these medications, thereby prolonging the healing period. The knock-on effect is a financial burden on the part of the patient as they continue to seek effective podiatry diabetes treatment. However, these are issues diabetic patients don't have to deal with if they use maggot therapy. Since the larvae do all the work, patients don't need any form of medication, and this improves the quality of life.

Fast Effective Treatment

According to most doctors, no amount of conventional medicine can rival the zeal and work ethic of the larvae used in maggot therapy. It is especially the case with intractable diabetic ulcers and wounds. While doctors have to consider several factors before administering conventional medicines, maggot therapy only requires wound preparation and maggot placement. The rest is left for the larvae to take care of, and their work ethic combined with close supervision from the doctors ensures faster treatment.

For more information about diabetic podiatry care, contact a podiatry diabetes treatment service in your area.