Diabetic Limb Salvage

Diabetic Limb Salvage Specialists

If you have diabetes and develop a slow-healing wound or ulcer, diabetic limb salvage can help prevent infection and lower your risk of amputation or other serious complications. At Eastside Podiatry PLLC in St. Clair Shores and Fraser, Michigan, board-certified podiatrists and foot and ankle surgeons Hatim Burhani, DPM, FACFAS, Siraj Panchbhaiya, DPM, FACFAS, and the team, regularly use diabetic limb salvage techniques to preserve their patients’ health and quality of life. To request your appointment today, call the office to speak with a friendly team member or click the online booking tool.

Diabetic Limb Salvage Q & A

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is an umbrella term for a group of chronic conditions characterized by high blood glucose (sugar). Everyone needs some blood sugar to survive—it powers your brain and fuels your muscles and soft tissues. However, if your blood sugar levels are too high for too long, it increases your risk of serious health problems including heart disease, slow-healing wounds, and infection.

How does diabetes affect my feet?

Foot problems are one of the main reasons people with diabetes end up in the hospital. Over time, diabetes can cause permanent nerve damage also known as neuropathy. If the nerves in your feet and ankles don’t function properly, you might cut your foot, develop a wound, or step on a foreign object without realizing it. Left unmanaged, minor injuries can turn into major infections, causing gangrene and ultimately, the need for amputation.

Some common diabetic foot problems include:

Foot ulcers
Swelling
Cuts
Sores
Ingrown toenails
Deep infections

If you have diabetes, you’re also at risk of charcot fractures. This occurs if you break a bone or suffer a crush injury but don’t realize it.

What is diabetic limb salvage?

Diabetic limb salvage is a branch of podiatry care focused on treating diabetic foot problems before they get worse. By taking proactive measures, diabetic limb salvage can preserve your feet and ankles and reduce the need for time-consuming, risky, or complex surgery.

Eastside Podiatry PLLC holds membership in a group of wound care centers where the only focus is diabetic limb salvage. This ensures that patients of all ages with diabetes receive the podiatric care they need before diabetes-related wound problems become more serious.

Is there any way to lower my risk of diabetes-related foot problems?

There’s no way to prevent diabetes-related foot problems entirely, but there are steps you can take to significantly lower your risk. The team at Eastside Podiatry PLLC recommends:

Wearing comfortable shoes
Inspecting your feet daily
Having regular foot exams
Visiting the podiatrist once every six months
Controlling your diabetes
Taking even minor injuries seriously

You can also lower your risk of diabetes-related foot problems by always wearing socks and shoes. Avoid going barefoot, as it significantly increases your risk of cuts, blisters, and stepping on foreign objects.

To learn more about the benefits of diabetic limb salvage, make an appointment at Eastside Podiatry PLLC today by calling the office or clicking the online scheduling tool.

Faq...

Can limb salvage prevent amputation completely?

In many cases, yes. Early intervention and coordinated care between podiatrists and vascular specialists can significantly reduce the risk of amputation and improve long-term outcomes.

How long does recovery take after limb salvage treatment?

Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the condition and the treatments used. Some patients may heal within weeks, while others may require ongoing care for several months.

When should I see a podiatrist for diabetic foot issues?

You should see a podiatrist immediately if you notice:

– A sore or ulcer that isn’t healing
– Signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus)
– Numbness or tingling in your feet
– Changes in skin color or temperature

Is diabetic limb salvage painful?

Some procedures may involve discomfort, but pain management is a key part of treatment. The goal is to relieve pain caused by infection or poor circulation and restore mobility.