Foot Ulcer Diabetes Treatment: Dhanalakshmi's Journey of Healing
Dhanalakshmi, a 63-year-old woman without diabetes, came to our clinic with a persistent non-healing foot ulcer on her left ankle. Financial constraints had brought her to us after an initial visit to a multi-specialty hospital where she was advised to get admitted. During her examination, she displayed symptoms such as a red, swollen tongue with fissures, pitting pedal edema, breathlessness, easy fatigue, and pain in her foot at rest. Although her blood sugar levels, lipid profile, and renal function were normal, her hemoglobin levels were alarmingly low at under 7 g/dl. These symptoms hinted at a potential vitamin B12 deficiency, which was later confirmed through a serum vitamin B12 test showing levels of 150 pg/mL.
Further examination of the wound revealed poor blood supply, marked by a black area around it. However, a Doppler test confirmed that her blood vessels were healthy, prompting us to develop a targeted treatment plan that addressed both the vitamin deficiency and the wound itself. This case highlights the significance of considering foot ulcer symptoms and understanding that they may arise from various factors beyond common conditions like diabetes.
Foot Ulcer Treatment and Recovery
We implemented a comprehensive treatment strategy for Dhanalakshmi, administering B12 injections on alternate days. Alongside this, debridement was performed to clean the wound, and Orasore gel was prescribed to ease the pain from her oral ulcer. Over the next two weeks, Dhanalakshmi’s condition showed significant improvement. Her general health and the wound condition began to improve, with reduced pedal edema and a decrease in discoloration around the wound. The oral ulcer also started to heal, underscoring the essential role of vitamin B12 in collagen production, which is vital for the wound healing process.
In addition to medicinal treatments, incorporating vitamin B12-rich foods into her diet played a crucial role in her recovery. Foods such as fortified cereals, chicken breast, and milk were added to her daily meals to boost her vitamin B12 levels naturally. These dietary adjustments complemented the medical treatments, promoting overall health and aiding in faster recovery. This holistic approach is vital for diabetic foot ulcer treatment in Coimbatore and other places dealing with non-healing ulcers. Moreover, adding chicken breast to her meals provided a delicious and effective way to improve her health.
After a month of consistent treatment and dietary improvements, Dhanalakshmi fully recovered, with only a scar remaining where the wound once was. Her ability to return to her job demonstrated her resilience and determination. This case study underscores the importance of thorough history-taking and symptom analysis, demonstrating that non-healing foot ulcers can be linked to less common causes such as vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, rather than just foot ulcer diabetes treatment or venous insufficiency. Proper evaluation of foot ulcer symptoms can lead to better treatment outcomes.
Importance of Accurate Diagnosis and Comprehensive Care
Dhanalakshmi’s journey from a non-healing foot ulcer to recovery is a testament to the critical role of accurate diagnosis, targeted treatment, and nutritional support. Her case highlights that proper follow-up, addressing underlying deficiencies, and a balanced diet rich in vitamin B12 can lead to significant health improvements. This experience serves as an essential reminder for healthcare providers to consider diverse potential causes when treating non-healing wounds and to incorporate holistic approaches that include both medicinal and nutritional interventions. This is particularly important in areas like diabetic foot ulcer treatment in Coimbatore, where comprehensive care can make a significant difference.
