July 2, 2024
CoronaRead the full blog here:
When a diabetic patient has been struggling with a nonhealing foot wound for months or years, or heals one only to have another one crop up almost right away, exhaustion and despair can set in. With those feelings can come a quiet whisper in the back of their mind, every time the subject of amputation comes up. Would amputation be so bad? Certainly anything has to be better than this endless pain, anxiety, and uncertainty—right?
It’s one thing to say that amputation is life-altering. It’s another to look at the changes that happen in a patient’s life immediately after surgery, the long-term concerns, and the possible complications from such a major procedure. Here’s what you can expect, and why we advocate for preventative care to ensure that foot amputation doesn’t become necessary.
After surgery is completed successfully, you will be given medication to control pain and fight infection. The same issues that make a diabetic foot wound difficult to heal will also affect the surgical site, so you will be watched closely for early signs of potential trouble. Nurses will change your bandages and instruct you on correct techniques for keeping the stump properly bandaged.
At this point, you will also start physical therapy—slowly at first, with stretching and gentle exercises. If you’ve chosen to get a prosthetic foot, you will also get information and guidance regarding the process of getting one fitted and learning to use it.
See our FAQ section for any further questions you may have HERE
How long you stay in the hospital will depend on how well your healing progresses. In the best case, your hospital stay may only last a few days, barring any complications or infection. Whether you are sent home directly or are referred to an in-patient rehabilitation facility will depend on if you have additional health issues or if you’re having trouble regaining your mobility after surgery.
If you’re sent to rehab, you’ll have healthcare providers working on wound healing, helping you rebuild your strength and improve mobility, and preparing your limb for the prosthetic foot. If you’re sent home, you’ll need to closely follow the instructions you’re given on wound care, bathing, recommended activity level, and the prescribed regimen of physical therapy to ensure that you don’t inadvertently set your recovery back.
Only prescribed medication should be taken, as some over-the-counter medications can increase your risk of bleeding. Any swelling, redness, bleeding, numbness, tingling, or worsening pain should be reported to your surgeon immediately, as they could be signs of complications.
Early physical therapy will progress to exercises designed to enhance muscle control, with the goal of enabling you to regain independence and go back to regular daily activities. Physical therapy will also include practice with your prosthetic and any assistive devices such as a cane, walker, or crutches. Learning to walk with a prosthetic foot can be frustrating, tiring, and uncomfortable in the early stages, and some patients will always need a cane at minimum for balance and support.
If you get a prosthetic, you will need to be properly fitted and learn how to care for it, in addition to learning how to walk with it. Depending on the degree of swelling in your leg, you may be fitted with a temporary prosthesis for the first six months to a year, after which you’ll receive a permanent one.
Post-surgical rehabilitation should not neglect mental health. Even a successful amputation can be emotionally traumatic, prompting feelings of depression and anxiety. It is best to ensure that you have appropriate mental health support in place prior to surgery.
In addition to the risk of infection, blood clots can also occur with amputations. Patients can also experience nerve pain, phantom limb syndrome, and bone spurs at the end of the leg. While some complications can be addressed with medication, others may require additional surgery to correct. Your surgeon should be contacted immediately if you experience unexpected symptoms.
Amputation is a last-resort option for diabetics whose foot wounds have gotten too troublesome to continue treating conventionally. But it isn’t always the cure—no matter how drastic—some patients are expecting. Prevention is the best option for preserving your health, your mobility, and your quality of life.
At Corona Foot & Ankle, care for our diabetic patients starts with regular, comprehensive foot checkups at least once per year. If there are circulatory or nerve issues, we may recommend more frequent exams. At each visit, we evaluate your circulation and sensitivity, as well as thoroughly checking for any changes to the skin or injuries. We also give you the information and tools you need to keep your feet healthy between exams. Should you develop a wound, our advanced wound care practice uses the latest techniques to keep minor injuries from turning into persistent foot ulcers.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed with diabetes, or you’re worried that the trouble you’ve experienced with your feet so far means amputation is in your future, Corona Foot & Ankle is here to provide the care you need. Contact us here to schedule your consultation today.
After surgery, patients typically receive focused wound care, pain management, and monitoring for infection or circulation issues. Many patients then transition to rehabilitation or physical therapy to support healing and restore function as safely as possible.
Recovery timelines vary depending on overall health, circulation, and the level of amputation. Initial wound healing may take weeks to months, while rehabilitation and long-term mobility support—such as prosthetic training—can continue for several months or longer.
Yes, in many cases. Ongoing care with a foot and ankle specialist, regular monitoring for pressure areas or wounds, proper footwear, and blood sugar control all play a critical role in reducing the risk of future ulcers and additional amputations.
Have any questions about treatment? Feel free to make an appointment, Our team will reach you soon!
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