Amputation Prevention

What is amputation prevention?

Amputation prevention is a program offered at Diabetic Foot and Wound Center to save your feet. The integrative practice combines multiple medical specialties, along with state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, advanced therapies, and vascular treatments to promote fast and effective tissue healing.

At Diabetic Foot and Wound Center, time is tissue. The wound care specialists provide care seven days a week and welcome walk-ins. If you have concerns about a foot or leg wound, contact Diabetic Foot and Wound Center today. 

Who is a good candidate for amputation prevention?

When you come in to see the wound care experts at Diabetic Foot and Wound Center, they determine if you’re a good candidate for the amputation prevention program. 

You may benefit from a consultation if you have a wound that’s not improving after two weeks of at-home care or a wound that hasn’t completely healed after six weeks of care.

You may also be a good candidate for amputation prevention at Diabetic Foot and Wound Center if you have:

• Diabetes
• Neuropathy in the feet and legs
• Peripheral arterial disease (PAD)
• Chronic venous insufficiency
• Critical limb ischemia
• Varicose veins
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Venous hypertension
• Leg and foot pain 
• Buerger disease
• Raynaud’s disease

These conditions and symptoms may affect wound healing and increase your risk of amputation. Early and ongoing medical intervention from the experts at Diabetic Foot and Wound Center may prevent tissue death and amputation.  

What can I expect during amputation prevention?

You can expect comprehensive and compassionate care when you come in to see the wound care specialists at Diabetic Foot and Wound Center. During the exam, your provider reviews your symptoms and medical history and examines your wound.

To help determine the best treatment to prevent amputation, your provider may run diagnostic tests to further assess the damage, such as:

• Vascular ultrasound
• Angiography 
• Tissue sampling to test for infection
• Blood test
• Urinalysis

They may recommend periodic exams if you have a condition that increases your risk of developing a non-healing wound or ulcer that may lead to amputation. 

What treatments does amputation prevention include?

Diabetic Foot and Wound Center is a state-of-the-art practice that offers advanced treatment options to support wound healing. Your treatment plan may include:

Debridement

During debridement, your provider uses surgical, mechanical, enzymatic, autolytic, maggot therapy, or some combination, to clean the wound and remove dead or damaged skin and tissue. 

Hyperbaric oxygen treatment

Wounds require oxygen to heal. During your hyperbaric oxygen treatment, you’re in a specially designed chamber that exposes your body to 100% oxygen. The innovative treatment fights bacteria, stimulates healthy cells, and promotes and enhances the healing process. 

Vascular treatment

For patients with poor circulation, the team may refer you to vascular experts who perform minimally invasive procedures to improve circulation to the affected tissue. 

Procedures may include vascular stenting, laser atherectomy or thrombectomy, revascularization, or varicose vein surgery. 

Laser surgery, bioengineered skin and growth factor therapy, and various medications may also be a part of your limb amputation prevention treatment plan. 

Diabetic Foot and Wound Center dedicates itself to providing all the care you need to heal your wound and prevent amputation. Contact the office by phone or online today.