Diabetic Foot Ulcers Treatment with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Diabetic foot ulcers are one of the leading causes of lower-limb amputation — but with the right treatment, many of these wounds can heal. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a proven, evidence-based approach that may help save your limb and restore your quality of life.
Understanding Diabetic Foot Ulcers
A diabetic foot ulcer is an open wound or sore on the foot that develops in people living with diabetes. These ulcers most commonly form on the bottom of the foot and can range from a shallow surface wound to a deep opening that reaches the bone.
Diabetes can damage the nerves in your feet, making it difficult to feel pain or notice an injury. At the same time, it can reduce blood flow to your lower extremities, slowing your body's natural ability to heal. When a small cut, blister, or pressure point goes unnoticed, it can develop into a serious wound.
Without proper treatment, diabetic foot ulcers can become infected and lead to significant complications, including the possibility of amputation. The good news is that early, specialized treatment dramatically improves outcomes.
How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Helps
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy delivers 100% oxygen at increased pressure, allowing your blood plasma to carry significantly more oxygen than normal breathing. This oxygen-rich blood reaches the damaged tissues in your foot — even areas where blood flow is limited.
For diabetic foot ulcers, HBOT works through several evidence-based mechanisms recognized by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS). It stimulates the growth of new blood vessels in oxygen-deprived tissue, enhances white blood cell function to fight infection, promotes collagen production for tissue repair, and helps reduce swelling around the wound.
Clinical evidence supports the use of HBOT for diabetic wounds classified as Wagner Grade 3 or higher that have not responded to standard wound care after 30 days of treatment.
What to Expect During Treatment
Each HBOT session lasts approximately 90 minutes at treatment pressure. You relax inside a clear, hard acrylic Sechrist chamber while breathing pure oxygen. Our clinical team monitors you throughout the entire session. Most patients find the experience comfortable and use the time to rest, watch television, or simply relax.
A typical treatment course for diabetic foot ulcers ranges from 20 to 40 sessions, scheduled Monday through Friday. Your personalized treatment plan is developed by our physician based on your wound severity, overall health, and how your wound responds to therapy. We coordinate closely with your referring physician and provide regular progress updates.
Insurance & Coverage
HBOT for diabetic foot ulcers (Wagner Grade 3 or higher) is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most major private insurance plans when medically necessary. Our team handles insurance verification and prior authorization so you can focus on healing.
Our team handles the paperwork so you can focus on healing. We will verify your benefits, obtain any required prior authorizations, and keep you informed every step of the way.