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Publication:

Surgical Technology International XVII - Wound Healing

Article title:

Evidence-based Rationale for Offloading Treatment Modalities

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Author(s)

Desmond Bell, D.P.M., C.W.S., F.A.C.C.W.S., F.A.P.W.C.A.

Fellow, American College of Certified Wound Specialists, Fellow, American Professional Wound Care Association, Director, First Coast Diabetic Foot and Wound Management Center, Wound Care on Wheels, Wound Summit Outreach, and Wound Care Consortium, Jacksonville, Florida, USA

Abstract

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are a common co-morbidity affecting patients with diabetes. A variety of factors, including diabetic peripheral neuropathy, altered gait, and increased pressure on certain regions of the foot, can over time result in a diabetic foot wound. Reducing pressure at the site of the ulcer can promote healing and prevent further ulceration. Offloading is an evidence-based treatment modality for patients with DFUs and is part of the standard protocol for treatment. We discuss here the most common offloading modalities, placing them in the context of relevant medical and compliance issues that affect their use and success.