Reduced blood flow causes wounds to take a longer time to heal.
Nerve damage can also cause foot or toe amputation if numbness keeps you unaware of foot injuries.
If such wounds go undetected and untreated, they can lead to a bad infection.
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PAD and neuropathy make it easier to develop ulcers or infections that raise the risk of amputation.
Can You Prevent Amputation?
Many lower-limb amputations are preventable.
you might do many things to keep your feet healthy and reduce your risk of foot amputation.
Most importantly, start by maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.
The exact treatment will depend on the problem.
Amputation may prevent an infection from spreading elsewhere in the body, which can be life-threatening.
A physical therapist will work with you to help you get used to moving and walking again.
Ask your healthcare provider for a referral, or check with your health insurance provider.
If you or a loved one is in immediate danger, call 911.
Occupational therapy helps you complete activities of daily living, like completing chores at home and bathing.
Know that you’re not alone.
Talk to your friends or family members about what you’re feeling.
Rely on your healthcare team to guide you.
It will take time, but you’ll learn to adjust to your new life postamputation.
Summary
Foot problems and amputations among people with diabetes have increased in recent years.
You should also have a healthcare provider examine your feet regularly at appointments.
If you require a foot or toe amputation, speak to your healthcare provider about adjusting to life post-amputation.
Frequently Asked Questions
A diabetic foot ulcer happens in about 15% of people with diabetes.
Among that group, 14% to 24% will require foot amputation.
It’s not the amputation itself that creates a lower life expectancy.
Instead, see your healthcare provider for care.
American Diabetes Association.Amputation prevention alliance.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Your feet and diabetes.
American Diabetes Association.Foot complications.
MedlinePlus.Diabetes - foot ulcers.
University of Michigan Health.Frequently asked questions: diabetic foot ulcers.
MyHealth.Alberta.Ca.Foot amputation: before your surgery.
Merck Manual Consumer Version.Rehabilitation after limb amputation.
Rosca AC, Baciu CC, Burtaverde V, et al.Psychological consequences in patients with amputation of a limb.
doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.537493
Vuorlaasko M, et al.Major amputation profoundly increases mortality in patients with diabetic foot infection.Front Surg.
