Expert diabetic foot ulcer management — from advanced wound care and NPWT to surgical reconstruction — to heal foot ulcers and prevent amputation.
Diabetic foot ulcers affect up to 25% of people with diabetes during their lifetime and are the leading cause of non-traumatic lower limb amputation worldwide. The triad of peripheral neuropathy, poor circulation and impaired immunity creates wounds that are difficult to heal and prone to rapid deterioration. Dr. Thusay's comprehensive diabetic foot management programme combines debridement, advanced dressings, NPWT, offloading and surgical coverage to heal ulcers and prevent amputation.
Prompt review. Wound photographed, measured, graded. Blood tests (HbA1c, infection markers). X-ray/MRI for osteomyelitis. Vascular Doppler assessment.
Surgical or sharp debridement of necrotic tissue. If osteomyelitis confirmed, infected bone removed. Culture swabs taken.
NPWT applied. Appropriate antimicrobial dressings selected. Systemic antibiotics if infection present. Blood sugar control optimised with endocrinology.
Total contact cast or offloading boot fitted by the podiatry team in collaboration with Dr. Thusay.
Once granulating cleanly — skin graft, local flap or free flap used to provide durable wound closure. Bespoke post-closure footwear arranged.
In the vast majority of cases — yes. With prompt specialist intervention, appropriate debridement, infection control, offloading and surgical closure where needed, most diabetic foot ulcers can be healed and amputation avoided. Early referral to a wound care plastic surgeon is critical.
This varies enormously depending on the wound depth, infection, vascular supply and compliance with offloading. Simple neuropathic ulcers may heal in 6–12 weeks. Infected, deep or ischaemic ulcers require more intensive management over 3–6 months.
Recurrence is usually due to continued pressure (inadequate offloading), poorly controlled blood sugar, peripheral ischaemia or an underlying structural foot deformity. Dr. Thusay addresses the root cause — not just the wound itself.
Amputation is the last resort — recommended when the limb cannot be salvaged due to irreversible tissue loss, uncontrolled infection or critical ischaemia not amenable to revascularisation. Dr. Thusay always exhausts all options before recommending amputation.
Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT / VAC) uses sealed dressings connected to a suction device to remove wound fluid, reduce bacterial load and actively stimulate granulation tissue growth — accelerating the wound toward a state ready for surgical closure.
Many diabetic foot wound patients are managed on an outpatient basis with regular clinic visits. Hospitalisation is required for deep space infections, surgical debridement under anaesthesia, and post-operative wound closure procedures.
Osteomyelitis is bone infection — common in diabetic foot ulcers when infection reaches the underlying bone. Diagnosed by MRI and bone biopsy. Treatment requires surgical removal of infected bone followed by prolonged antibiotics. Dr. Thusay coordinates care with infectious disease specialists.
Critical. High blood sugar impairs the immune response, reduces wound healing growth factors and promotes bacterial growth. Optimal glycaemic control (HbA1c <7%) is the single most important factor the patient can control to help their wound heal. Endocrinology involvement is routine.
Dr. Pranav Thusay will personally assess your case and create a tailored plan.