Diabetes affects over 37 million Americans, with many unaware of their condition. One of the most serious complications of diabetes is diabetic foot problems, which can lead to chronic ulcers, infections, and even amputation.
According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), individuals with diabetes are 15 to 40 times more likely to undergo limb amputation than those without the disease. Each year, approximately 67,000 limbs are lost due to diabetes-related complications.
At Vascular Surgery Associates in Los Angeles & Santa Monica, we specialize in advanced diabetic foot care, offering preventive strategies, circulation assessments, and vascular treatments to help prevent serious complications and save limbs.
Understanding Diabetic Foot Problems
Long-term high blood sugar levels damage nerves and blood vessels, increasing the risk of neuropathy, poor circulation, and infection. Many diabetic patients develop neuropathy (nerve damage), causing loss of sensation in the feet. This lack of feeling makes it easy for minor injuries–such as blisters, cuts, or pressure sores–to go unnoticed and worsen over time.
Additionally, poor circulation (peripheral artery disease – PAD) limits the body’s ability to heal wounds, increasing the likelihood of non-healing ulcers, infections, and gangrene. If left untreated, these complications may lead to severe infections requiring amputation.
Common Diabetic Foot Conditions We Treat
Diabetes can lead to several foot-related complications, including:
Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Slow-healing sores that can become infected if not treated properly
Peripheral Neuropathy
Nerve damage causing numbness, tingling, and burning sensations in the feet
Charcot Foot
A condition where weakened bones in the foot lead to deformities
Gangrene & Tissue Death
Poor circulation can cause tissue breakdown and require urgent care
Non-Healing Surgical Wounds
Increased risk of infections after foot surgery
Fungal Infections & Ingrown Toenails
Diabetes weakens the immune system, increasing infection risk
The Importance of Early Prevention & Circulation Assessment
The best way to prevent serious diabetic foot complications is early intervention and regular foot evaluations. Patients with loss of sensation or a history of foot ulcers may require special footwear to reduce pressure points and prevent wounds from forming.
Assessing circulation health is critical in diabetic foot care. At Vascular Surgery Associates, we perform detailed vascular assessments, including pulse examinations and non-invasive vascular studies, to identify circulation issues before they lead to complications.
Diabetic Foot Treatments & Limb-Saving Procedures
When diabetic foot ulcers or infections develop, timely intervention is essential to prevent tissue damage and amputation.
Minimally Invasive Endovascular Treatments
If poor circulation is contributing to non-healing ulcers, we offer minimally invasive procedures such as:
Angioplasty & Stenting
To open blocked arteries and improve blood flow
Atherectomy for PAD
To remove plaque buildup in leg arteries
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
To accelerate wound healing in chronic ulcers
Surgical Vascular Interventions
For severe circulation blockages, a surgical approach may be necessary. Our highly experienced vascular surgeons specialize in:
- Bypass Surgery to restore blood flow and save limbs
- Wound Debridement to remove infected or dead tissue
- Skin Grafting for large, non-healing ulcers
At Vascular Surgery Associates, we have a 90% success rate in saving threatened limbs by restoring circulation and treating diabetic foot complications.
Frequently Asked Questions About Diabetic Foot Care
Regular foot checks, wearing protective footwear, keeping blood sugar under control, and seeking prompt medical attention for minor wounds can prevent ulcers.
Symptoms include numbness, burning pain, persistent wounds, swelling, and skin discoloration.
Yes, minimally invasive vascular treatments such as angioplasty and stenting can restore circulation and promote healing.
If a cut, sore, or ulcer isn’t healing within a few weeks, it’s critical to seek immediate evaluation to prevent complications.
Not necessarily. With early intervention, circulation restoration, and proper wound care, most patients can avoid amputation.
Dedicated to Excellence in Vascular Care Since 1963
Vascular Surgery Associates (VSA) has established itself as a cornerstone of vascular health in Southern California, combining decades of experience with cutting-edge treatment methods. Founded by visionary surgeons in 1963, our practice has grown from pioneering beginnings into one of the busiest and most respected vascular surgery groups in the Western United States.
Protect Your Feet with Specialized Diabetic Foot Care in Los Angeles & Santa Monica
Diabetic foot complications can be life-altering, but with expert care and preventive strategies, serious complications can be avoided. At Vascular Surgery Associates, we offer advanced diabetic foot care, focusing on early detection, vascular intervention, and limb-saving treatments.
Schedule a consultation today to protect your feet and ensure long-term vascular health.