Antibiotics for Diabetic Foot Infections: 12 Essential Things to Know
A diabetic foot wound does not always need antibiotics. An... Read more
Diabetic Foot Surgery Goals
Treatment of Infection and Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Limb Salvage and Preservation of Foot Function
Amputation Prevention Strategies
Diabetic Foot: A Serious and Growing Complication
15% Lifetime Risk
Up to 15% of people with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer during their lifetime.
2–5% Every Year
Approximately 2–5% of people with diabetes develop a new foot ulcer each year.
85% Start with an Ulcer
Around 85% of diabetes-related amputations begin with a foot ulcer.
1 Amputation Every 20 Seconds
Globally, one lower limb is lost every 20 seconds due to diabetes-related complications.
Patients with diabetic foot ulcer, and especially those who undergo lower-limb amputation, have very high mortality, with a 5‑year survival that is often around 50% or even lower, which is comparable to, or worse than, several forms of cancer.
Do you have a wound, ulcer, infection, or another diabetic foot problem?
Send us information about your condition and, if possible, photos of the affected foot. Dr. Athina Kapralou will personally assess your case.
Request a FREE Assessment →Diabetic Foot Surgery: Limb Salvage Through Targeted Treatment
Timely and specialized surgical care plays a critical role in controlling disease progression and preventing limb loss.
Rapid Control of Severe Infection
Timely surgical intervention can quickly control deep soft‑tissue and bone infection, limiting systemic sepsis and stabilizing critically ill patients.
Fewer Hospitalizations and Complications
Effective combined surgical and medical treatment reduces the need for repeated admissions, ongoing wound care, and long‑term disability.
Maximizing Limb Preservation
Modern limb‑salvage techniques allow many patients who would once have faced major amputation to retain a functional, weight‑bearing foot.
Improved Long‑Term Outcomes
Successful management of diabetic foot disease is associated with better quality of life and can positively influence long‑term survival compared with untreated or late‑treated cases.
Limb-sparing surgery for diabetic foot treatment focuses on preserving the limb and preventing major amputation.
Clinical Lead | Lead Surgeon
Athena N. Kapralou, MD, PhD
Diabetes Surgery Surgeon
Over the past 17 years, my work has focused on the treatment of diabetic foot complications, including diabetic foot ulcers and infection management, with a consistent effort to preserve the limb and reduce the risk of amputation.
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General Surgeon
Collaborator with:
- 1st Propaedeutic Surgery Clinic, Hippokration Hospital, Athens, Greece
- Athens Euroclinic Therapeutic Center, Greece
- The Endocrine Unit of the University of Athens, Greece
Medical Content Review
This page has been medically reviewed by Athena N. Kapralou, MD, PhD, General Surgeon, with 17 years of clinical and research experience in diabetic foot treatment, diabetic foot complications, and limb-sparing surgical management, documented through real diabetic foot surgery clinical cases.
Last medically reviewed: August 2026
Everything we do, we do it for you!
Our focus is to preserve the foot and support the patient.
We understand the physical and emotional burden of diabetic foot complications, including diabetic foot ulcers, infection, and the risk of amputation. The uncertainty of healing and the fear of limb loss can be deeply distressing.
Our role is to provide specialized surgical care for diabetic foot treatment, aiming to control infection, preserve the limb, and support recovery at every stage.
Understanding Diabetic Foot Conditions and Treatment
A step-by-step overview from early lesions to surgical management and recovery.
Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Early recognition of diabetic foot ulcers can prevent progression, tissue loss, and impaired wound healing associated with poor perfusion.
Infections & Bone Involvement
Infection in the diabetic foot may extend to deeper tissues and bone (osteomyelitis) if untreated.
Surgical Treatment
Limb-sparing (limb salvage) surgery focuses on infection control, removal of non-viable tissue, and preservation of foot function.
Recovery & Follow-up
Successful healing depends on proper wound care, off-loading, and close follow-up to support diabetic foot recovery.
Diabetic Foot Gangrene
Diabetic foot gangrene develops when tissue dies because of critically reduced blood flow, with or without sever infection. Urgent specialist assessment is essential to evaluate circulation and control infection. Depending on the extent of tissue damage, treatment may include revascularization, surgical removal of non-viable tissue, aiming at preserving as much of the functional foot as possible.
Surgical Treatment Options in Diabetic Foot Management and Limb Salvage
Treatment is tailored to the extent of diabetic foot tissue involvement, infection, vascular status, and structural damage, aiming to preserve foot function and support limb salvage
Limb-Sparing Procedures
Combine revascularization with targeted bone and soft-tissue surgery, along with minor amputations, to restore perfusion, control infection, and preserve limb function.
Explore Limb-Salvage TreatmentsDebridement & Drainage in Diabetic Foot Conditions
Removal of infected and non-viable tissue, with drainage of abscesses, to control infection and promote healing.
Explore Diabetic Foot Debridement & DrainageOsteomyelitis Surgery
Targeted resection of infected bone with preservation of viable, well-perfused tissue.
Minor Amputations in Diabetic Foot Surgery
Includes toe, ray, transmetatarsal, Lisfranc, and Chopart amputations based on infection control and adequate perfusion, aiming to preserve function.
Explore Minor Amputation Procedures
Advanced Wound Healing Options
Uses advanced therapies such as grafts, ultrasound-assisted debridement and PRP to support healing and prepare the wound for closure.
Explore Advanced Diabetic Wound Healing
Major Amputations in Diabetic Foot Conditions
(when necessary) Performed when the limb cannot be safely preserved, prioritizing patient safety and functional recovery.
Learn About Major Amputation ProceduresWhat our diabetic foot patients say after treatment
Watch Trace’s Story
about his mother's health
...and the surgeon looked her in the eye and said "I will try my best" and so far she has so...
Overall Google Rating: 4.9 / 5
Total Reviews: 113
Για την Κυρία Καπράλου έχω να πω τα καλύτερα. Η κατάρτιση, ο επαγγελματισμός, η εξειδίκευση της στο διαβητικό πόδι και πάνω απ'όλα η συμπεριφορά της, την καθιστούν Άψογη ιατρό. Ήταν κοντά μας και διαθέσιμη, ανά πάσα στιγμή, να ενημερώσει,να βοηθήσει,...
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27/10/2026
Μια εξαιρετική γιατρός που με βοήθησε σε μια δύσκολη περίοδο. Χάρη στην ευτυχώς έγκαιρη διάγνωση, από την πρώτη στιγμή με άκουσε με μεγάλη προσοχή και ασχολήθηκε πραγματικά με την περίπτωσή μου, παρόλο που ήμουν μια αρκετά «δύσκολη» ασθενής, με πολλές...
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06/10/2026
My name is Alexandros Petras, my wife developed a small ulcer on her leg after surgery for a broken ankle. For 6 months the wound did not heal. Doctor Mrs. Kapralou Athina took care of it and diagnosed 2 germs...
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22/09/2026
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