Limb preservation is a specialized healthcare approach dedicated to safeguarding the health, function, and integrity of your limbs. This comprehensive care focuses on preventing and treating conditions that pose a threat to limb viability, such as injuries, infections, and diseases like diabetes or vascular disorders.
To put it simply, limb preservation helps keep your limbs healthy and prevents the need for an amputation.
But who does it benefit? Limb preservation care isn’t limited to just a single group of people. In fact, it can benefit many different people in many different situations.
Read on as our board-certified wound care specialists and podiatrists share who can benefit from limb preservation care here at Diabetic Foot and Wound Center in Bakersfield, California.
You might benefit from limb preservation if:
Diabetes is a big risk factor for amputations. About 80% of non-traumatic amputations are related to diabetes complications.
If you have diabetes, limb preservation care is even more important to you. By actively participating in this specialized care, you can mitigate the risks associated with diabetes-related complications like amputations.
People with neuropathy require limb preservation care due to the heightened risk of complications that arise from nerve damage. Neuropathy 一 a common complication of diabetes 一 often affects the peripheral nerves responsible for the sensation and muscle control in your limbs.
If you experience compromised nerve function in your limbs (such as a loss of sensation), it can lead to a lack of awareness of injuries or wounds. This then makes you more susceptible to infections and delayed wound healing. Even a small blister can spiral into a bigger issue if you have poor circulation and delayed healing responses.
Limb preservation care for those with neuropathy involves proactive measures to prevent injuries (such as wearing proper shoes with orthotics), regular monitoring for early detection of issues, and specialized interventions (such as wound care) to address complications promptly.
Vascular issues, such as peripheral artery disease (PAD), chronic venous insufficiency, varicose veins, and deep vein thrombosis, can increase your risk of amputation.
According to research published by the American Heart Association, microvascular disease further increases the risk of amputation in people with PAD by compromising your body’s natural wound healing abilities. If you have PAD and microvascular disease, the AHA recommends regular foot inspections.
Amputation prevention includes a variety of tests (to assess the health of your veins and nerves in your limbs) as well as treatments to help avoid serious infections. The Diabetic Foot and Wound Center team offers a variety of tests and treatments as part of our limb preservation services:
If you have concerns about the health of your limbs, don't hesitate to reach out. Seeking help promptly can help you save your limb. Visit our walk-in wound care in Bakersfield, California, for wounds.
For less urgent matters or for questions, you can reach us at 661-238-7526.
