By Annette R. Karnash, R.N., M.N.
Approximately 15% of patients with diabetes develop foot ulcers. Even after treatment, these ulcers recur. If these wounds fail to heal, the risk of partial or entire foot amputations can result. But surgery to lengthen the Achilles tendon significantly reduces the risk that patients with diabetes will suffer return bouts of foot ulcers and even allows for greater movement.
Limited ankle mobility is often the cause of foot ulcers. Sixty four people with diabetes with foot ulcers on the ball of the foot were studied at the Washington University School of Medicine and place in two groups. One group received a foot cast (standard treatment) and the second group received surgery and a cast. After 7 months those with the surgery and cast were 75% less likely to have an ulcer recurrence than the group that received only the cast. After 2 years they were 52% less likely to develop an ulcer recurrence.
