Diabetic Amputation Prevention
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Proper foot care is essential for people with diabetes or insensitive feet. In fact, of people with diabetes who enter the hospital, about one in five seek treatment for foot problems. People with diabetes are at greater risk for foot problems and amputation, as many people with diabetes have artery disease, which reduces blood flow to the feet.

Good Shepherd offers a comprehensive Diabetic Amputation Prevention Program for people with diabetic or insensitive feet. Our team of rehabilitation specialists provides a complete spectrum of prevention care from foot screening and patient education to fabrication of interim foot wear, splinting, and specialized wound care.

How can diabetic amputation be prevented?
Approximately 25% of people diagnosed with diabetes will develop foot problems. Of these, an alarming one-third will require lower extremity amputation. A significant number of these occurrences (up to 80%) can be prevented through daily foot inspection, proper footwear prescription, skin care, patient education, and follow-up care. At-risk patients are also advised to dry their feet with a soft towel, not to go barefoot, and to maintain proper foot hygiene, including careful toenail trimming.

What can I expect from Good Shepherd's Diabetic Amputation Prevention program?
Patients in our amputation prevention program will first undergo a foot screening to identify their level of risk and need for education, specialized footwear, and skin/wound care. All of our patients then receive instruction regarding skin care, warning signs, and daily foot care. If necessary, specialized footwear can be prescribed and interim footwear or splinting can be fabricated.

For more information on the Good Shepherd Diabetic Amputation Prevention Program, contact us today or call 1-888-44-REHAB (24 hours a day, 365 days a year).