Limb salvage in extensive diabetic foot ulceration-a preliminary clinical study using simple debridement and herbal drinks.

Diabetic patients frequently suffer from foot ulcer. In spite of the advances in treating many complicated diseases, amputation is usually the 'cure' for diabetic foot ulcer. Diabetic foot ulcer was treated in this study using Chinese herbal medicine and simple debridement as an alternative to amputation. Limb salvage was successful in 35 of 40 legs. These results encourage continuing research into the treatment of diabetic ulcer using Chinese herbal medicine.