Non-pharmacological therapeutic interventions for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers: an integrative literature review

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetic foot ulcers arise from the complex interaction between peripheral neuropathy and peripheral arterial disease, compromising wound healing after traumas. Objective: To explore the diversity of non-pharmacological therapeutic interventions that have been studied and evaluated for their effectiveness and safety in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. Methodology: An integrative literature review was conducted. The search for results was performed on the PubMed and Virtual Health Library (VHL) platforms. Twenty-one articles were selected for result elaboration. Results: The identified interventions included hyperbaric oxygen therapy, negative pressure wound therapy, use of dermal matrix, platelet-rich plasma, cold atmospheric plasma, treatments with special dressings, and the use of rigid soles, among others. They exhibited variability in the healing rate and wound closure time, as well as improvement in tissue regeneration. Conclusion: The research demonstrates a diversity of non-pharmacological therapeutic interventions used in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers, emphasizing the need for individualized approaches and further studies to determine the effectiveness and safety of each intervention.