Jaloukavacharana in diabetic foot ulcer - A Case Study

Abstract

Diabetic foot is the one of the commonest chronic complications of diabetes. It is leading indication for hospital admission and prolonged stay. A classical triad of neuropathy, ischemia and infection characterizes the diabetic foot. The presence of infection rapidly worsens the clinical picture, often requiring limb amputation. Diabetic foot ulcers are common and estimated to effect 15% of all diabetics. Mainstay of treatment includes antibiotics, debridement. and local wound care and footwear improvisation. In spite of all advances in health sciences, statistics reveals that about 3% patients yet have to undergo lower limb amputation. In Sushruta Samhita. we get the most scientific description of wound and its management. Similarly, Sushruta has given the importance to Bloodletting therapy and considered Leech as the most unique and effective method of bloodletting even in infected wounds and abscesses. Patient with Diabetic foot ulcer was advised to continue anti diabetic medicine along with weekly application of Leech around the ulcer which was followed by washing the wound with Panchavalkala Kashaya and dressing with Jatyadi Ghrita. This Leech therapy proved very effective and the ulcer healed completely within 30 days. However, further evaluation is required to be done by taking a large sample size to prove its significance in treating Diabetic foot ulcer and avoiding lower limb amputation.