Abstract
Diabetic Foot Ulcer (DFU) is a global health care problem considered as a major cause of morbidity and mortality among diabetic patients. Pulsed Electromagnetic field (PEMF) is a non-invasive technique with potential beneficial effects on wound healing. Laser therapy stimulates cell molecules and is strongly considered as a promising wound healing tool for chronic wounds. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of two therapeutic modalities used to treat infected DFU; the first is PEMF alone compared to PEMF added to infrared laser therapy in diabetic wound healing management. Methods: A prospective, single blind, controlled trial on thirty diabetic foot ulcer patients who were randomly assigned into group A (GA) receiving 2 Gauss (G) Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) 10 minutes per session, in addition to the prescribed medical treatment (Diabetic drugs only) and nursing care. Group B (GB) received the same regimen of PEMF in addition to 5 J/cm(2) Infra-red laser therapy for 12 sessions. Statistical analysis showed that the adjuvant magnetic and laser therapy had more significant reduction in the colony count number in DFU (P<0.0001). Infrared laser and PEMF are both effective and recommended modalities in reducing the infection of infected diabetic foot ulcer, however combining both modalities has better effect in managing diabetic foot wound infection.