Podiatric intervention to salvage diabetic lower limbs: a case report

Abstract

In South Africa (SA), podiatrists play an important role in the multidisciplinary team in diabetic limb salvage. Preventive ulcer development strategies offered by a podiatrist include regular monitoring, routine care of calluses, and offloading. Furthermore, podiatric intervention includes prophylactic and acute interventions that can translate to the preservation of a functional limb and ultimately prevent amputation. This report presents a unique case of how podiatric intervention in a public hospital in SA has prevented a diabetic foot amputation. The importance of referral to a podiatrist prior to diabetic foot amputation is highlighted in this case report, and how the subtle second opinion for podiatric intervention saved a limb.