Diabetes
Botox injections for treating diabetic foot ulcers
By Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
Apr 6, 2005, 16:45

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis are seeking volunteers to participate in a study to determine if botulinum toxin (Botox) injections can help heal diabetic foot ulcers.

Seventeen million Americans live with diabetes, and one of the major complications from the disease is foot wounds that won't heal. Untreated ulcers can lead to infection and in severe cases to amputation of the feet and legs.

In past studies, patients who underwent surgery to lengthen the Achilles tendon reduced their risk of ulcer recurrence. Lengthening the Achilles tendon, or heel cord, weakened the calf muscle and diminished the pressure on the ball of the foot, where ulcers occur.

Researchers at Washington University decided to see if Botox injections � which have been shown to weaken calf muscles in other studies � could have the same effect on pressure on the ball of the foot. They postulate that gradual return of pressure and muscle strength will be similar to that experienced by the Achilles lengthening surgery without the complications and costs of surgery.

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