Limb salvage, also known as limb sparing surgery, is a medical approach that focuses on preserving a patient’s limb rather than resorting to limb loss. In podiatry, it is especially important for individuals with diabetes who may develop severe infections, ulcers, or poor circulation in their feet. Risk factors include uncontrolled blood sugar, neuropathy, vascular disease, and delayed wound healing. Limb salvage is often necessary when conservative treatments fail, and the goal is to maintain mobility and quality of life while preventing further complications. A podiatrist plays a crucial role in early detection, wound care, surgical intervention, and ongoing management. If you have diabetes and have developed foot wounds that will not heal, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist for treatment.

Diabetic Limb Salvage

Diabetic limb salvage can be an effective way in preventing the need for limb amputation. If you have a foot ulcer and diabetes, consult with Raul Hidalgo DPM from South Texas Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Diabetic Limb Salvage?

Diabetic limb salvage is the attempt of saving a limb, such as the foot, that has an infected ulcer, from amputation. Podiatrists also try to make sure that there is enough function in the foot after the salvage that it is still usable. Those with diabetes experience poor blood circulation, which prevents proper healing of an ulcer. If the ulcer is left uncheck, it could become infected, which could result in the need for amputation.

Diabetes is the number one cause of non-traumatic amputations in the United States. Amputation has been found to lead to higher mortality rates. This translates into higher healthcare costs, and a reduced quality of life and mobility for amputees. Podiatrists have attempted to increase the prevalence of limb salvage in an attempt to solve these issues.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Limb salvage teams have grown in recent years that utilize a number of different treatments to save the infected limb. This includes podiatrists that specialize in wound care, rehabilitation, orthotics, and surgery. Through a combination of these methods, limb salvage has been found to be an effective treatment for infected limbs, and as an alternative to amputation. Podiatrists will first evaluate the potential for limb salvage and determine if the limb can be saved or must be amputated. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in San Antonio, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Nerve pain in the feet often develops when nerves become compressed or damaged, leading to discomfort that may interfere with walking and daily activity. Morton’s neuroma, a common cause, occurs when tissue thickens around nerves between the toes, creating burning or stabbing sensations in the ball of the foot. Tarsal tunnel syndrome involves compression of the posterior tibial nerve near the ankle, which can cause tingling, numbness, or shooting pain along the sole. Baxter’s neuropathy results from pinching of a nerve under the arch, sometimes linked to flat feet, heel spurs, or chronic strain. Diabetes can lead to diabetic neuropathy, producing sharp, burning pain or numbness in the toes that may spread up the legs over time. Even conditions such as sciatica may radiate pain into the feet. A podiatrist can diagnose the source of nerve pain and suggest the appropriate treatment, which in some cases may include surgery. If you have symptoms of neuropathy in your feet, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Raul Hidalgo DPM from South Texas Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in San Antonio, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Puncture wounds in the feet may appear minor at first, but they require prompt professional attention because of the risk for serious complications. Puncture wounds are commonly caused by stepping on objects like nails, glass, or thorns, while barefoot or wearing flip-flops that allow penetration. The depth and location of the wound play a major role in determining possible damage, which may include harm to tendons, ligaments, or joints. Infections such as cellulitis or abscesses can develop, and in some cases, a bone infection known as osteomyelitis may occur. Symptoms might not always be immediate, as some patients notice worsening pain, swelling, or drainage days to weeks after the initial injury. A podiatrist can assess the wound thoroughly, order imaging to check for foreign bodies, and provide treatment that may include wound care, antibiotics, or surgery to prevent further complications. If you have a puncture foot wound, it is suggested that you make an immediate appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment.

Wound care is an important part in dealing with diabetes. If you have diabetes and a foot wound or would like more information about wound care for diabetics, consult with Raul Hidalgo DPM from South Texas Foot & Ankle Care. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

What Is Wound Care?

Wound care is the practice of taking proper care of a wound. This can range from the smallest to the largest of wounds. While everyone can benefit from proper wound care, it is much more important for diabetics. Diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation which causes wounds to heal much slower than they would in a non-diabetic. 

What Is the Importance of Wound Care?

While it may not seem apparent with small ulcers on the foot, for diabetics, any size ulcer can become infected. Diabetics often also suffer from neuropathy, or nerve loss. This means they might not even feel when they have an ulcer on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. Therefore, it is of the upmost importance to properly care for any and all foot wounds.

How to Care for Wounds

The best way to care for foot wounds is to prevent them. For diabetics, this means daily inspections of the feet for any signs of abnormalities or ulcers. It is also recommended to see a podiatrist several times a year for a foot inspection. If you do have an ulcer, run the wound under water to clear dirt from the wound; then apply antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover with a bandage. Bandages should be changed daily and keeping pressure off the wound is smart. It is advised to see a podiatrist, who can keep an eye on it.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in San Antonio, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.