When your feet lose protective sensation because of nerve damage from diseases such as peripheral neuropathy, Hansen’s disease, or diabetes, injuries often go unnoticed. These can eventually develop into wounds that don’t heal. Today Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA, is sharing ways you can prevent amputation using LEAP.
Lingering wounds that don’t heal can get infected and pose severe health risks, including amputation in more critical cases. People who experience a loss of protective sensation can decrease these risks by applying the following five steps included in Lower Extremity Amputation Preventions, otherwise known as LEAP.
1. Individuals at risk should have their feet examined and tested four times per year.
2. Patients should be educated in self-management procedures to prevent foot problems.
3. At-risk individuals should inspect their feet daily to identify any toenail problems or foot injuries.
4. Footwear should be professionally fitted with sufficient room to prevent many foot disorders from being created.
5. Report any wounds or injuries to your podiatrist immediately
Limb Salvage?
Limb salvage is the effort to save a limb from amputation. Podiatrists can ensure that there is enough functional ability in the foot, after salvage treatment.
Diabetes is the most common cause of non-traumatic amputations in the country. Diabetics often experience poor blood circulation, which stops the proper healing of a wound or ulcer. If left unchecked, it could get infected, which may result in the necessity for amputation.
But there are also other causes such as traumatic injury and cancer. The connection between higher mortality rates and amputation is proven. Loss of a limb reduces mobility, overall quality of life and increases healthcare costs.
Limb salvage can be an efficient way to prevent the need for limb amputation. If you have cancer, diabetes, or any other disorder that could lead to foot amputation, contact Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA. You can schedule an appointment online or by calling us at 425-455-0936.
