Recent studies indicate light at the end of the tunnel for diabetics. An FDA approved light emitting device accelerates wound healing in ulcers and helps regain the protective sensation in diabetics. This device is known as Anodyne. Anodyne has been used with varying degree of success to help the 16 million diabetics as well as others who suffer from neuropathy (nerve disease) and ulcers of the feet. This new painless, noninvasive method sheds light on the problem and renders relief for many patients without the use of medications.

Diabetics are more prone to have nontraumatic amputations to the lower extremities than any other group. As diabetes progresses, the nervous, immune, and arterial systems are under attack from the high levels of blood sugar which cause devastating disease to your body. Due to increased blood glucose (sugar), the nervous system goes to sleep which can be painful. As the nervous system loses protective sensation the foot deforms and ulcerations develop. The arterial system is also effected by high levels of glucose which results in decreased circulation. This deprives the tissues of oxygen, collagen, and nutrients needed for wound healing. Furthermore, a healthy immune system is necessary to fight infections and stimulate wound repair. A combination of these problems have left many with chronic foot ulcers and led to amputations of the foot and/or leg. With the advent of Anodyne, this trend is changing and diabetics may regain the function of their lower limbs.

Anodyne works by sixty light emitting diode on flexible pads that can be applied directly to the skin on any body part. The monochromatic near infrared light energy from these pads stimulate the hemoglobin in the blood to release Nitric Oxide (NO). Nitric Oxide causes several mechanisms to initiate healing. Nitric Oxide stimulates a chemical release of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) which causes smooth muscle cells to relax and blood vessels to dilate. This dilation causes increased blood flow to the affected area. For areas that have ulcerated, this increases the delivery of oxygen and nutrients that are necessary for wound healing and synthesizing collagen. Similarly, the vasodilatation to nerves allows the nerve physiology to improve; thus awakening the nerve to regain sensation which was lost. Also, this mechanism can help reduce the risk of falls by elderly patients who have the inability to stabilize their gait due to the lack of sensation.

The pads may be applied directly to the ulceration with a thin covering of transparent plastic. During the first 4 weeks of therapy rapid improvement occurs. During the second 4 weeks improvement slows. Typically, closure occurs during the third 4 weeks of treatment. The surrounding tissue where the ulcer was located is greatly improved as well. This is of great value for venous stasis ulcer patients, who constantly battle reopening of their frail tissue on the lower leg.

For treatment of neuropathy both legs and feet are treated for 30 minutes three times a week for approximately 12 to 15 treatments. During the early course of therapy the patient may experience temporary discomfort that is caused by the nerves healing and progressing through the peristhenia. However, as the nerves awaken the patient begins to sense the feeling which they had lost.

In a study conducted by three medical centers, in Colorado, 49 patients with Type I or II diabetes experienced improvement. As reported by the Journal of American Podiatric Medical Association in March of 2002, 98% of patients exhibited improved sensation after six treatments and all patients had improved sensation after 12 treatments. This study was presented at The American Diabetes Association scientific session last year.

Anodyne is not only for diabetics, it can be beneficial to patients who have tendonitis, bursitis , fractures, or arthritis. Anodyne Therapy cannot be performed on pregnant women or patient's with malignancy in the body. The results vary due to the patient's ability to produce Nitric Oxide gas. Those individuals with low production of Nitric Oxide will see less improvement as compared to those who produce higher levels of Nitric Oxide. Anodyne treatment is available locally at the office of Dr. James C. Graham, for more information call 217-342-2040.

Dr. Graham has been in private practice in Effingham since 1989 and is on staff at St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital and Effingham Ambulatory Surgical Treatment Center. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery and American Board of Podiatric Orthopaedics and Primary Podiatric Medicine. Dr. Graham is a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, the American College of Foot and Ankle Orthopaedics and Medicine, and American Professional Wound Care Association. He is also a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association and the Illinois Podiatric Medical Association.

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