Gangrenous diabetic foot treated with homoeopathic medicine <i>Opium</i>: A case report

Introduction: Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is the most common neuropathic complication of diabetes. Uncontrolled diabetes and improper foot care lead to serious conditions like gangrenous DFU, even from minor injuries. DFU also has gangrene as one of its major complications. In general, people with diabetes have a significantly higher risk of developing lower extremity gangrene, which may lead to amputation. Case Summary: A known case of a 68-year-old man of type 2 diabetes mellitus for the past five years, was presented with painless DFU on his right leg that had persisted for the past 6 months. He was diagnosed with DFU and was advised by a surgeon to undergo surgical amputation of the foot and debridement of the leg within 4–5 days to prevent the spread of gangrene. The patient opted for Homoeopathy to avoid amputation. After a detailed case-taking, analysis, and repertorisation, Opium 30C was prescribed. Within 30 days, there was a significant improvement in the limb without any surgical intervention. The outcome of the case was assessed using Modified Naranjo Criteria for Homeopathy (MONARCH). The improvement in the ulcer was also documented through the photographs.