Amputation and Diabetes: How to Protect Your Feet
Why Diabetics Need to Pay Extra Attention to Their Feet
Did you know that diabetes is one of the top causes of lower-limb amputations worldwide? The good news? Most of these amputations can be prevented with the right care.
At Kakkar Clinic, our focus is on saving limbs through advanced treatments and personalized care. And even when amputation becomes the only option, we work to remove just the affected tissue, keeping as much of your limb intact as possible.
So, how can you protect your feet and avoid serious complications? Let’s break it down.
Preventing Foot Ulcers: Your First Line of Defense
Foot ulcers are responsible for 80% of diabetes-related amputations. The trick? Catch them before they become a problem. Here’s how:
Daily Foot Care Routine
- Check your feet every day for cuts, blisters, swelling, or redness. Use a mirror or ask for help if needed.
- Wash your feet with lukewarm water, dry them well (especially between your toes), and apply moisturizer (but not between toes).
- Trim your nails straight across—no digging into the corners.
Keep Your Blood Sugar in Check
- Control your glucose levels with a healthy diet, exercise, and medications.
- Poorly managed blood sugar can lead to nerve damage (neuropathy) and poor circulation—the perfect storm for foot problems.
Wear the Right Shoes
- Ditch the flip-flops and tight shoes—they can cause blisters.
- Wear well-fitted, cushioned shoes.
- For high-risk feet, custom orthotics may be the best choice.
Quit Smoking (Yes, It Affects Your Feet Too!)
Smoking damages circulation, making it harder for your feet to heal from even minor cuts.
At Kakkar Clinic, we recommend foot exams to catch early signs of neuropathy, infections, or poor blood flow.
Signs of Trouble: When to See a Doctor
Even with great care, complications can still arise. Don’t wait if you notice:
- A wound that won’t heal (lasting more than 1–2 weeks).
- Swelling, redness, or warmth in one spot.
- Foul smell or pus from a wound.
- Skin color changes (black, blue, or very pale patches).
- Sudden numbness or pain (even if mild).
What If Amputation Becomes Necessary?
Amputation is always a last resort. But if it comes to that, our limb-sparing approach helps preserve as much of your foot and leg as possible.
Our Approach to Amputation and Recovery
- Precision Surgery – We remove only the infected or dead tissue, preserving what we can. Toe-sparing and partial-foot amputations help maintain mobility.
- Advanced Wound Care – Treatments like hyperbaric oxygen therapy and antimicrobial dressings promote faster healing.
- Restoring Blood Flow – If poor circulation is the issue, angioplasty or bypass surgery can improve blood flow and prevent major amputations.
- Post-Amputation Rehabilitation – With a team of specialists, we help you recover smoothly.
Why Choose Kakkar Clinic?
- Minimally invasive treatments to save limbs whenever possible.
- Amputation is our last option
- Holistic care—we don’t just treat feet; we focus on your betterment.
Take Action Before It’s Too Late
Diabetes-related amputations can be prevented—but only if you act fast.
At Kakkar Clinic, we’ve helped thousands of patients keep their feet healthy through early intervention and innovative treatments.
Don’t wait for a small wound to turn into a big problem. Schedule a foot checkup today. Your feet deserve the best care!
