Central Texas Veterans Health Care System

Preservation Amputation for Veterans Everywhere (PAVE)

The Preservation-Amputation-for-Veterans Everywhere Program was set up to expand the care and treatment of clients at risk of losing a toe, foot, or leg; or, who have a prior amputation.  The goal of the PAVE Program is to help prevent or delay limb loss.  Your case would be managed by a rehabilitation physician, vascular and orthopedic surgeons, nurse podiatrist, therapist and prosthetic/orthotic staff.  The PAVE Program will follow you from entry into the VA health-care system, through all levels of care, and back into the community.

The PAVE Clinic is an outpatient & inpatient referral clinic with a goal of Prevention of foot sores or amputation.  This is the key goal of the PAVE Program.

Amputation care and rehabilitation is provided for the client who has had an amputation.

Care and treatment of foot blisters, open sores, and associated medical problems, are provided to the client, as needed.

Who is at risk for Limb Loss?
Patients with the following health problems or risk factors:

    •Diabetes
    •Poor Circulation
    •Decreased use of lower legs
    •Non-healing Sores of the Lower Legs
    •Amputee
    •Cellulitis of Lower Legs
    •Foot Deformities
    •Smoking

Referral Criteria and Process:

You can be referred to the PAVE Clinic by your primary care physician if you have a history of diabetes or any other condition which might cause permanent or increased loss of feeling or blood flow in your feet or lower legs.

Services Offered
The PAVE Clinic provides as appropriate: 

    •Prosthetic & Podiatry Referrals
    •Patient Education
    •Follow-up Evaluations
 
You can improve blood flow to your feet and legs by:

    •Stop Smoking
    •Control blood sugar and blood pressure
    •Exercise regularly as ordered by your physician
    •Try to keep normal body weight
    •Eat a well balanced diet
    •Wear supportive, comfortable shoes
    •Sit with legs uncrossed
    •Avoid  sandals or shoes with sling-back heels or open toe

Foot problems can become a major concern for someone with diabetes.  This is why people with diabetes are 15 times more likely to have a foot or lower leg amputation than someone without diabetes.

Early treatment can reduce the risk of serious infection or amputation.

OBJECTIVES OF THE PAVE PROGRAM:
For the Veterans at risk of limb loss or who have had an amputation:

    •To provide treatment by a team of specialists.
    •To prevent amputation through early detection and treatment of the patient.
    •Education about proper foot care.

REPORT TO YOUR CLINICIAN WHEN YOU HAVE:

    •Redness
    •Swelling
    •Bruises
    •Corns
    •Calluses
    •Blisters
    •Burns
    •Punctures
    •Cuts
    •Fungus Infections
    •Ingrown Toenails
    •Other Foot Problems