Effects of the Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) in the process of healing diabetic foot ulcers

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of the low-level laser therapy applying Laser on the tissue repair in ulcer carriers due to diabetes. METHODS: Sixteen type II diabetic patients, ulcer carriers in the lower limbs, participated in the research from which eight were in the control group and eight were submitted to the low-level laser therapy with a pulsed wave form, visible ray, wave length of 632.8 nm, 30 mW peak power, (Laser-HTM). The application time was of 80 (4J/cm(2)) seconds. The application was punctual without contact (approximately 1mm of distance), the pen being held in a perpendicular position related to the wound, in equidistant points. There were 12 appointments, of which three were done weekly in alternated days. Photograph records and an application of the brief inventory of pain were done before and after 30 days of follow-up. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in the size of the wound when compared to the control group (p<0.05). The pain was also reported as having an intense improvement in the treated group. CONCLUSION: The low-level laser treatment seems to be an efficient method, viable, painless and of low costs concerning the tissue repair ulcers in a diabetic foot.