Why diabetic wounds don't heal
Diabetes reduces feeling in the feet, so small cuts and blisters go unnoticed. It also narrows blood vessels and weakens the response to infection. A small sore can become a deep infected ulcer within days.
How we treat chronic wounds
- Assessment. Wound size and depth, infection, bone involvement (X-ray), blood supply (pulses and Doppler), and blood sugar.
- Debridement. Dead and infected tissue is removed surgically. This is the single most important step.
- Infection control. Antibiotics guided by tissue culture.
- VAC therapy. Negative pressure dressings until the wound bed is red and healthy.
- Closure. A skin graft, local flap or, for exposed bone and tendon, a flap from elsewhere.
- Prevention. Offloading footwear, sugar control and regular foot checks.
Wounds we treat
- Diabetic foot ulcers and infections
- Bed sores (pressure ulcers) in bedridden patients
- Venous leg ulcers
- Wounds after accidents or surgery that have broken down
- Radiation wounds
Preventing the next ulcer
After an ulcer heals, the chance of another one is high unless the cause is dealt with. The plan after healing includes:
- Daily self-checks of both feet, including the soles and between the toes
- Closed, well-fitting footwear indoors and outdoors, with custom insoles or offloading footwear if needed
- No barefoot walking, hot water soaks, heaters near the feet or home corn cutting
- Sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol control with your physician, and stopping smoking
- A doctor's foot check at least once a year, more often after an ulcer
The diabetic foot care daily checklist sets out the routine step by step. Read diabetic foot ulcers and VAC therapy explained, or in Hinglish, diabetic foot ka ilaj.
Common questions
What is VAC therapy?
VAC (vacuum-assisted closure), or negative pressure wound therapy, uses a foam dressing sealed with film and connected to a gentle suction pump. It removes fluid, reduces swelling, increases blood flow and helps healthy tissue grow, so wounds heal faster and are ready for grafting sooner.
What does VAC dressing cost in Ranchi?
VAC is priced per dressing cycle and depends on the wound size and number of changes. The total cost of wound care is given after the wound is assessed. It is usually covered by health insurance when done in hospital.
Can amputation be avoided in diabetic foot?
Often, yes, if treatment starts early. The key steps are removing dead tissue, controlling infection and sugar, checking blood supply, offloading pressure and covering the wound. Dr. Vikrant's aim is always to save as much of the foot as possible.
How are bed sores (pressure ulcers) treated?
Pressure relief and nutrition first, then debridement, dressings or VAC, and for deep sores, a flap operation that brings healthy, padded tissue over the area.
Who should I see for a non-healing wound?
A wound that hasn't healed in 4 weeks needs a specialist. Plastic surgeons manage chronic wounds because they can provide the final step: closing the wound with a graft or flap.
Can people with diabetes soak their feet in hot water?
It is better not to. Numb feet can't judge heat, and hot water, hot water bottles and heaters cause painless burns that turn into ulcers. Wash the feet in lukewarm water tested with the elbow, and don't soak for long.
Is it safe to cut corns at home with a blade?
No. Cutting corns or hard skin with a blade, or using acid corn caps, is a common start of diabetic foot wounds. Hard skin should be treated by a doctor or podiatrist, and the footwear causing it should be changed.
How often should a person with diabetes have a foot check?
Look at your own feet every day, and have them examined by a doctor at least once a year, more often if you have numbness, poor circulation or a past ulcer. See the daily diabetic foot care checklist.
How can bed sores be prevented at home?
Turn the person at least every 2 hours, keep the heels off the bed with a pillow under the calves, use a pressure-relieving mattress, keep the skin clean and dry, check the tailbone, hips and heels daily, and give enough protein and water. Avoid ring cushions and massaging red skin. Read bed sores at home.
When does a bed sore need surgery?
Deep sores (stage 3 or 4) that expose fat, muscle or bone often need debridement in the operating theatre, then VAC dressings and a flap operation to cover and pad the bone. Surgery is planned once the person can be kept off the area, incontinence is managed and nutrition is adequate, so the sore doesn't return.
Further reading
- Bed sores at home: prevention, stages and treatment
- Diabetic foot care: a daily checklist that prevents ulcers
- Diabetic foot ulcers and VAC therapy explained
- Diabetic foot ka ilaj: pair ka ghav nahi bhar raha?
Last reviewed: 2026-10-29
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or a treatment plan. Results and recovery differ between patients. Prices are starting prices and are confirmed after examination.