Living with diabetes isn’t just about managing blood sugar—it’s about protecting your entire body from the silent, long-term effects of the condition. Among the most vulnerable areas are the feet, where even a small cut, blister, or unnoticed injury can develop into a major health crisis. Due to reduced sensation (neuropathy) and impaired circulation, people with diabetes are at high risk for foot ulcers, severe infections, and even gangrene. These complications can lead to prolonged hospital stays or, in extreme cases, the need for limb amputation. That’s why diabetic foot care must never be taken lightly—it’s not just about comfort, but about saving lives and limbs.
In such situations, finding the right surgeon is absolutely critical. It requires more than just medical knowledge—it demands expertise in diabetic wound care, an eye for early intervention, and a compassionate approach to patient wellbeing. That’s where I come in.
I’m Dr. V. Preethi, a General and Laparoscopic Surgeon at Hayagriva Hospital, Chennai, with extensive experience in treating a wide spectrum of diabetic foot complications. From managing non-healing ulcers to performing limb-salvage surgeries, I take a comprehensive approach to treatment—aiming not only to resolve the immediate issue but also to restore long-term foot health and function. My practice blends precision surgical care with empathy, ensuring that every patient feels heard, respected, and supported at every stage of their healing journey.
Whether you’re struggling with a slow-healing sore, recurring infections, or have been advised surgery for a diabetic foot condition, know that you don’t have to face it alone. I’m here to help you make informed decisions, protect your health, and walk forward with strength and confidence.
Diabetic foot refers to a collection of serious foot problems that can develop in individuals with long-standing or poorly controlled diabetes. While it may start as something minor—like a blister, a callus, or a small cut—it can quickly escalate into a major health concern. This vulnerability stems from two key diabetes-related complications: peripheral neuropathy and poor circulation (peripheral arterial disease).
Neuropathy leads to nerve damage, which dulls or eliminates the sensation in your feet. As a result, injuries often go unnoticed until they become infected. Meanwhile, poor blood flow impairs the body's natural healing process, meaning even small wounds struggle to close and may become chronic ulcers. When these two issues occur together, they create the perfect environment for severe infections, tissue death, and even gangrene—requiring urgent surgical intervention.
If not addressed in time, diabetic foot issues can escalate rapidly—resulting in serious infections, extended hospital stays, multiple surgical interventions, or even the risk of limb loss. That’s why early detection, prevention, and the expertise of a specialized diabetic foot surgeon are vital for preserving both limb and life. With timely care, most complications can be treated effectively—preventing irreversible damage and restoring function.
Early detection and proactive care are vital to prevent these complications and preserve foot function.
One of the most concerning aspects of diabetic foot problems is how quietly they can develop. Many individuals with diabetes are unaware they have a foot issue until it becomes severe or infected. This is primarily due to diabetic neuropathy, a condition in which the nerves in the feet become damaged and lose their ability to sense pain, pressure, or temperature.
Because of this loss of protective sensation, small injuries—such as cuts, blisters, or pressure sores—often go unnoticed. You might be walking with a pebble in your shoe, developing a wound from tight footwear, or experiencing skin breakdown, all without realizing it. Over time, these untreated injuries can progress into non-healing ulcers, become infected, and threaten the integrity of the limb.
That’s why recognizing the early warning signs—like redness, swelling, unusual foot odor, thickened toenails, or warmth in specific areas—is essential. Even subtle changes can be the first indicators of a developing complication. Seeking prompt evaluation from a diabetic foot specialist can make all the difference between simple wound care and life-altering surgery.If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult a diabetic foot specialist without delay.
Surgical intervention becomes crucial when conservative measures—like antibiotics, regular dressings, offloading, and wound care—are no longer effective in halting the progression of a diabetic foot complication. This typically occurs when deep infections, persistent ulcers, abscesses, or gangrene threaten not just the affected limb, but the patient’s overall health and mobility.
In such cases, timely surgical treatment can be the difference between saving a foot and facing amputation. The goals of surgery are clear:
Beyond preventing serious complications, surgery can also greatly enhance a patient’s comfort, independence, and quality of life. With the right surgical approach—tailored to your condition and overall health—you can regain mobility and reduce the risk of future recurrences.As an experienced diabetic foot surgeon, I ensure that each procedure is carefully planned and supported with comprehensive pre- and post-operative care to promote healing and prevent future complications.
Every patient’s journey with diabetes is different, and so is the way their condition affects the feet. That’s why diabetic foot care is never one-size-fits-all. It requires a comprehensive, personalized approach that takes into account your overall health, stage of diabetes, vascular status, mobility, and lifestyle needs.
In my practice, I integrate advanced surgical techniques with a multidisciplinary care plan designed for optimal healing and long-term prevention.
The treatment is not only about healing the wound—it’s about preventing recurrence and improving your ability to lead an active, independent life.
When it comes to diabetic foot surgery, experience isn’t just important—it’s essential. Every decision, from assessing tissue viability to planning incisions, can mean the difference between saving a limb and losing it. That’s why I approach each case with the utmost precision, backed by years of focused experience in diabetic foot management.But technical skill alone isn’t enough. My mission goes beyond treating wounds or performing procedures—I’m here to protect mobility, dignity, and quality of life. I understand how overwhelming a diabetic foot complication can be, and how it can affect your confidence, independence, and future.
You’ll receive care that’s meticulous and medically sound, but also deeply human—offering emotional reassurance at every stage. From your very first consultation, my goal is to ensure you feel informed, empowered, and never alone on your journey to healing.Together, we’ll work not only to overcome the immediate issue, but to build a long-term plan for healthy feet and a healthier life.With me, you’re not just getting a surgeon—you’re getting a partner in your healing journey.
Diabetic foot complications can be life-changing—but with timely, expert care, they are entirely manageable. Whether you're dealing with a non-healing ulcer, chronic pain, or an advanced infection, don’t delay treatment. Taking action now can mean the difference between a minor procedure and a life-altering surgery.
Let’s work together to protect your feet and preserve your mobility. Book your appointment today with one of the best diabetic foot surgeons in Chennai—and take your first step toward healing with confidence and care.
Book your appointment today with one of the best diabetic foot surgeons in Chennai—and take your first step toward healing with confidence and care.
Have questions or need to schedule a consultation? I’m here to help. Whether you're exploring treatment options or ready to take the next step in your surgical journey, reach out today. Your health is personal — so is our care.
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