Diabetic wounds have elevated levels of cathepsin K, a protease enzyme, which degrades proteins, such as collagen, causing delayed wound healing. By targeting cathepsin K, diabetic wound healing is ameliorated. Methods and devices for treatment include topical application of pharmacological inhibitors of cathepsin K, for example, in the form of gel, powder, or bandage. Other methods and systems include localized genetic knock out of the cathepsin K gene by topical application of a small interfering RNA (siRNA) or antisense oligonucleotide to aid in wound healing.