Breaking the Cycle: How Direct Care Podiatry Helped James Avoid the Family Curse of Amputation
James grew up believing that losing a limb was inevitable.
His grandfather had a leg amputated due to diabetes complications. His father lost two toes before eventually losing his foot. And now, at 58 years old, James had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. He knew the risks, but like many, he didn’t take them seriously—until he noticed a small sore on his toe that wouldn’t heal.
His primary care doctor prescribed antibiotics and told him to keep an eye on it. But weeks later, the wound was getting worse. A podiatrist he saw through insurance barely looked at his foot before saying he might need a partial amputation. James left that appointment terrified.
“There’s nothing else we can do” was what his father had been told.
Was history repeating itself?
A Different Path to Healing
Determined to find another option, James started researching and found my direct care podiatry practice. Unlike traditional insurance-based clinics, I focus on preventing amputations by treating the root causes—not just the symptoms. He scheduled a visit right away, with no referral or insurance delays.
When I saw James, I took a deep dive into his foot health, circulation, and lifestyle. The problem wasn’t just his wound—it was a combination of poor circulation, nerve damage, and lack of proper foot protection.
A Plan to Save His Foot
Instead of rushing to amputation, we built a treatment plan that prioritized healing:
✅ Advanced wound care – We treated his ulcer with regenerative medicine, using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy to stimulate healing.
✅ Circulation support – We worked on improving blood flow with lifestyle changes, supplements, and therapies designed to enhance healing.
✅ Preventive foot protection – We fitted James with custom diabetic shoes and orthotics to prevent future wounds.
✅ Diabetic foot education – Instead of waiting for problems, we taught James how to protect his feet, check for early warning signs, and take action before things got serious.
A Future Without Amputation
Within three months, James’s wound was fully healed. Even better, for the first time, he felt in control of his health.
“I always thought amputation was just part of diabetes,” he told me. “Now I know that it doesn’t have to be.”
James’s story is proof that the cycle can be broken. Diabetes doesn’t have to mean amputation—but you need the right care, at the right time.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
If you have diabetes and a family history of amputations, you don’t have to follow the same path. Direct care podiatry offers the expert attention, advanced treatments, and proactive care that can save your feet—and your future.
