Diabetes Limb Preservation
Early intervention reduces the risk of severe outcomes
About
For individuals living with diabetes, limb preservation is a critical concern, as poor circulation, nerve damage, and uncontrolled blood sugar can increase the risk of severe foot complications. Seeking care from experienced foot and ankle specialists allows you to develop a proactive preventive plan or, if necessary, an immediate course of action to protect your limbs and overall health.
The team at Horizon Foot & Ankle Institute has extensive experience working with patients across all types and stages of diabetes, providing tailored care that maximizes the chance of avoiding amputation and maintaining the highest possible quality of life.
What it is
Approximately 1–4% of individuals with diabetes will require a limb amputation at some point in their lives — typically when complications such as severe infections or non-healing ulcers make the limb unsalvageable. Warning signs that diabetes is seriously affecting the feet or ankles include persistent wounds, discoloration, numbness or tingling, swelling, foul odor, and signs of infection such as redness or pus.
Fortunately, there are several lifestyle changes—including proper foot care, blood sugar management, supportive footwear, and regular inspections—alongside professional treatments like wound care, debridement, and advanced imaging that can significantly reduce the risk of amputation.
Early intervention and ongoing monitoring are essential to give patients the best chance of preserving their limbs and maintaining long-term mobility and quality of life.
Treatment Options
Advanced Wound Care
Specialists provide thorough cleaning, dressing, and monitoring of foot ulcers or open wounds to prevent infection. Regular assessments and tailored treatments help wounds heal faster while reducing the risk of complications that could lead to amputation.
Debridement
This procedure removes dead or infected tissue from the wound, encouraging healthy tissue growth. By eliminating harmful tissue, debridement reduces the likelihood of infection spreading and supports faster healing.
Infection Management
Foot and ankle specialists can prescribe targeted antibiotics or topical treatments based on the type of bacteria present. Early detection and treatment of infections are critical to prevent severe tissue damage or limb loss.
Circulation Enhancement
Treatments such as vascular evaluation, therapies to improve blood flow, or referral to a vascular specialist help ensure proper oxygen and nutrient delivery to affected areas. Improved circulation accelerates healing and reduces the risk of ulcer progression.
Advanced Imaging (e.g., MolecuLight i:X)
Imaging technology helps visualize bacteria and wound depth in real time, allowing precise treatment planning. This supports early detection of infections and guides interventions to protect the limb.
Surgical Interventions
In severe cases, procedures such as minor reconstructive surgery or tendon release may be performed to correct deformities or relieve pressure points. Surgery can prevent chronic wounds and reduce the risk of future amputation.
