Effects of Photobiomodulation Use in the Treatment of Chronic Ulcer in the Diabetic Foot: A Case Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36489/saudecoletiva.2026v17i104p19052-19069Keywords:
Diabetes mellitus, Diabetic foot, Low-Level Light Therapy, Wound healingAbstract
Objective: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global chronic disease with a major impact on public health, and its complications include chronic diabetic foot ulcers (CDFUs), which are associated with a high risk of amputation and significant costs for patients and healthcare systems. Photobiomodulation, also known as low-level laser therapy, has emerged as a complementary intervention to accelerate the healing of these lesions by acting on cellular activity,
collagen synthesis, angiogenesis, and inflammatory modulation. Method: This study presents a clinical case report of a patient with a chronic ulcer on the right hallux who underwent standard treatment associated with photobiomodulation (630 nm laser, 100 mW, 2 J/cm2 per point), applied twice a week for six weeks. The evaluation used validated instruments such as the Wagner Classification, the PUSH Tool for wound healing, and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, in addition to photographic assessment. Results: The results showed a progressive reduction in wound area (from 3.75 cm2 to complete healing) and in the PUSH score (from 7 to 0), accompanied by a decrease in pain (VAS from 6 to 0). The application of photobiomodulation demonstrated clear positive effects on healing and improved the patient’s quality of life, supporting existing evidence in the literature regarding its effectiveness in the treatment of diabetic wounds. Conclusion: It is concluded that photobiomodulation may be a promising and safe option as a complementary therapeutic resource for chronic diabetic foot wounds, accelerating healing and reducing pain, reinforcing the need for standardized protocols and further research for definitive validation.
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