The Diabetic Amputee – Promote & Protect
Diabetes the leading cause of non-traumatic Lower Extremity Amputation (LEA) in the US with 60% of all non-traumatic LEA occurring in diabetics[1]. From this, it is clear that a majority of the patient a Physical Therapist will see for amputee rehab have diabetes. It is important to note that Diabetes is a systemic disease that negatively affecting every system of the body. The Physical Therapist must be aware of the potential impact diabetes has on their patient, on their rehabilitation, and on their mobility goals after LEA. Not only will the Physical Therapist need to promote mobility, they must also protect the patient’s contralateral limb during mobility training…