Diabetic foot treatment
Treatment for diabetic foot problems varies according to the severity of the condition. A range of surgical and nonsurgical options may help.
Nonsurgical treatment
A doctor will first attempt to treat diabetic foot problems without using surgery. Some methods include
- Keeping wounds clean and dressed
- Prescribing antibiotics to treat infections
- Removing calluses
- Prescribing immobilization devices, such as a walking cast or total contact cast
- Closely observing any gangrene on the toes until self-amputation occurs, which is when the toes fall off due to lack of blood flow
- Recommending exercises and diet changes to manage peripheral vascular disease and prevent it from getting worse
Surgical treatment
When nonsurgical treatment does not successfully heal diabetic foot problems, a doctor might consider surgery. Surgical options include:
- Removing decaying or dead tissue
- Removing ingrown toenails
- Amputating the affected limb, which may range from a single toe to the leg above the knee
- Surgically stabilizing Charcot Foot
- Performing an arterial bypass for peripheral vascular disease, which assists blood flow to the area
- Performing endovascular surgery with placement of stents, which are small devices that keep blood vessels open