A 23-year-old member asked:
Why would i need an amputation if i have diabetes and i have a foot ulcer?
4 doctor answers • 11 doctors weighed in
Dr. Ankush Bansalanswered
Internal Medicine 16 years experience
Inadequate bloodflow: The main problem with diabetes & feet is that diabetes causes decreased blood flow in the distant parts of the body (e.g. Feet) leading to nerve starvation so that sensation decreases. Then a cut can go unnoticed and get infected spreading to the bone. Antibiotics can only help if it can be carried by the blood to the site. If not, the infection spreads. Amputation is the only option left then.
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6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Latisha Smithanswered
Wound care 40 years experience
infection: Poor circulation is the primary reason diabetics need amputation. The next most common reason is a bone infection. This happens when a soft tissue infection has festered down into the bone. Antibiotics will help treat the infection, but surgery to scrape the bone is often required. If surgery can't erradicate all the infected bone sometimes amputation is done to prevent spread of infection.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Ellen Wenzelanswered
Podiatry 16 years experience
Infection: Amputation is usually the result of tissue loss and/or bone infection of the underlying structures.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Payam Rafatanswered
Podiatry 24 years experience
Infection / Flow: Uncontrolled infection and poor vascular blood flow are the most common reasons causing diabetic the need to have a foot amputation.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 40-year-old member asked:
If I have a foot ulcer, do I have diabetes?
3 doctor answers • 9 doctors weighed in
Dr. Jeff Finkelsteinanswered
Specializes in Emergency Medicine
No: There are many causes of foot ulcers, pressure, ischemia, diabetes, and other conditions. I would certainly get checked for all of these.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Oct 4, 2016
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