Podiatric Foot & Ankle Services

The UAB Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy offers specialized diabetic foot care focused on improving the quality of life for patients with conditions related to diabetes. In Alabama, approximately 15% of adults – or about 1 in 7 people – live with diagnosed diabetes. This rate is among the highest in the Southeast.

Why this care matters

Diabetes can affect circulation and nerve function in the feet, which means that small issues such as calluses, blisters, and ingrown toenails can become serious if untreated. Poor blood flow, reduced sensation, and slower healing increase the risk of ulcers and infections and even hospitalization or limb loss in severe cases. Early, coordinated care is essential to preventing these complications.

How we provide diabetic foot care

Patients across UAB Medicine benefit from coordinated diabetic foot care provided by our podiatric and vascular services. This includes:

• Regular foot evaluations, to identify early signs of pressure points, skin changes, or nerve damage
• Treatment for common foot issues such as calluses, corns, ingrown toenails, thickened nails, and dry or cracked skin
• Advanced wound care for ulcers, infections, or slow-healing wounds
• Assessment of circulation using noninvasive vascular testing
• Collaborative care that may include specialists in podiatry, vascular surgery, wound care, infectious diseases, endocrinology, rehabilitation, and physical therapy
• Education and prevention guidance, to help patients protect their foot health and reduce long-term risks

Our diabetic foot care supports mobility, lowers the risk of complications, and promotes long-term foot health. With early attention and coordinated care, many issues can be prevented or treated before they become more serious.

Common conditions treated

• Foot ulcers
• Skin infections
• Poor circulation (peripheral artery disease, or PAD)
• Diabetic neuropathy
• Calluses, corns, and pressure points
• Ingrown toenails and nail infections
• Dry, cracked skin
• Charcot foot

UAB Medicine’s Limb Preservation Clinic provides specialized care for patients facing serious foot and leg complications, particularly those related to diabetes and peripheral artery disease. Our goal is to prevent amputations whenever possible and help patients maintain mobility and independence.

Why this care matters

Foot ulcers, infections, and circulation problems are common in patients with diabetes and vascular disease, and these issues can progress quickly without the right care. Early intervention is essential. The team focuses on preventing small problems from becoming emergencies and supports healing through timely evaluation, treatment, and follow-up.

How we provide limb preservation care

Because many limb-threatening conditions are complex, our clinic brings together experts in podiatry, vascular surgery, wound care, infectious diseases, endocrinology, and rehabilitation. This team works together to identify the cause of a problem, restore blood flow when needed, treat infections, and support long-term healing.

This coordinated approach reflects the nationally recognized “toe-and-flow” model, which combines advanced podiatric care (“toe”) with state-of-the-art vascular treatment (“flow”). UAB Medicine is the only health system in Alabama that offers this multi-specialty program.

Common conditions treated

The clinic is designed for patients who have or are at risk of developing:

• Diabetic foot ulcers
• Chronic wounds that are slow to heal
• Infections of the foot or ankle
• Peripheral artery disease (PAD) or poor circulation
• Pain, discoloration, or other signs of limb-threatening conditions

At UAB Medicine, we provide complete podiatric care for a wide range of foot and ankle conditions – from heel pain and tendonitis to deformities, fractures, and injuries that may require reconstructive surgery. Our goal is to reduce pain, restore function, and help patients return to their daily activities, with improved comfort and stability.

Why this care matters

Foot and ankle problems can significantly affect balance, movement, and overall quality of life. When left untreated, many conditions can progress to chronic pain, impaired mobility, or long-term joint damage. Timely, specialized care supports better outcomes and long-term function.

How we provide foot & ankle care

Our podiatric surgeons are nationally recognized for their expertise in diabetic foot care, reconstructive surgery, and the treatment of both routine and complex foot and ankle problems. In addition to general podiatric care, our specialists perform advanced procedures to address tendon injuries, arthritis, deformities, and traumatic injuries that require urgent treatment.

Our surgeons work closely with vascular and endovascular specialists, infectious disease experts, endocrinology providers, rehabilitation services, and physical therapy teams. This collaborative structure helps ensure that patients receive complete, well-coordinated care that supports both recovery and long-term mobility.

Common conditions treated

• Heel pain and plantar fasciitis
• Tendon injuries, including Achilles tendon issues
• Foot and ankle fractures and sprains
• Bunions, hammertoe, and other deformities
• Flatfoot and arch problems
• Arthritis of the foot and ankle
• Sports-related injuries
• Ingrown toenails and other nail concerns