Diabetic Limb Salvage

Do you have diabetes and infected wounds or poor circulation in your feet because of the disease? At Podiatry Institute of the South, the experienced board-certified podiatric surgeons offer diabetic limb salvage to save your foot from needing amputation. To schedule a consultation, call one of the offices in Senatobia, Mississippi, West Memphis, Arkansas, or Memphis, Millington, or Bartlett, Tennessee, or use the online booking feature today. 

What is diabetic limb salvage?

Diabetic limb salvage at Podiatry Institute of the South uses various treatments to salvage a limb that may otherwise need amputation. Untreated diabetes can negatively affect circulation and lead to peripheral neuropathy, numbness, and a high risk of nonhealing open wounds and infections.

Fortunately, treatment with the Podiatry Institute of the South experts can often salvage the affected limb, reducing the need for amputation. The practice offers numerous treatments that restore the structure and function of your lower extremities. 

Do I need diabetic limb salvage?

Your risk of foot problems and the need for diabetic limb salvage at Podiatry Institute of the South may increase because of:

• Uncontrolled diabetes
• History of heavy smoking
• Kidney failure
• Nonhealing wounds
• Being over age 55
• Pain with exercise
• Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
• Circulation problems

The earlier you seek treatment for a diabetic foot problem, especially an infected wound or PAD, the better chance your podiatrist has of salvaging an affected limb.

If you have diabetes, properly controlling blood sugar with healthy lifestyle changes and medications, when needed, is the best way to reduce your risk of diabetic foot complications.

How does my podiatrist diagnose diabetic foot issues?

To find out if you have a diabetic foot problem requiring treatment, a Podiatry Institute of the South provider evaluates your legs, ankles, feet, and toes. They use ultrasound-guided technology to get an in-depth look at tissues inside your lower extremities, including your veins, arteries, and circulation. You might also need a CT scan or an MRI.

What happens during diabetic limb salvage procedures?

The Podiatry Institute of the South specialists work in tandem with vascular specialists, who provide catheter-based procedures using local anesthesia. They provide numerous options to increase blood flow to your feet and optimize healing. 

You might also need wound care, treatment for infection, or other treatments that help salvage a foot, ankle, and lower leg. The Podiatry Institute of the South specialists offer debridement, complex wound closures, skin grafting, medication prescriptions, offloading, specialized dressings, and limb salvage surgery to reduce the need for amputation.

To learn more about diabetic limb salvage at Podiatry Institute of the South and find out if it’s right for you, schedule an appointment by phone or online today.