Southern VIP™ Foot Rescue: Saving Limbs, Restoring Lives
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a serious condition that can lead to debilitating foot complications, including non-healing wounds, ulcers, and, in severe cases, amputation. At Southern VIP, we are committed to providing advanced Foot Rescue services to protect your foot health and quality of life.
The most common outpatient medical interventions for PAD blockages in the legs include thigh and calf artery atherectomies, which restore healthy blood flow throughout the legs. But Southern VIP’s innovative Foot Rescue procedure goes further, addressing the circulation of the small arteries of the pedal loop, which provide blood flow throughout the foot. Only by restoring blood flow to the feet can patients realize the full benefit of revascularization and experience healing in the feet and toes.
Why Foot Health Matters for PAD Patients
PAD restricts blood flow to the extremities, making the feet particularly vulnerable to
complications such as:
- Non-healing wounds
- Skin discoloration
- Painful ulcers
Left untreated, these issues can worsen, increasing the risk of infection and potential
amputation. Early detection and specialized care are vital to preserving limb health and
mobility.
Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
If you have PAD, it’s crucial to monitor your feet for signs of trouble, such as:
- Progressive numbness, burning, or tingling of the feet and toes
- Progressive coolness of a foot
- Increased stiffness in the toes
- Significant nighttime leg cramps
- Significant cramping in the buttocks, thighs, or calves when walking, causing you to stop to rest
- Persistent wounds that don’t heal
- Changes in skin color or temperature
- Pain or swelling in the feet
- Development of ulcers
Recognizing these warning signs and seeking immediate treatment can make all the
difference in preventing serious complications.
Our Advanced Approach to PAD Foot Treatment
Southern VIP’s Foot Rescue program is designed to prevent foot complications and save limbs through:
- Comprehensive Foot Assessments: Early detection of circulation issues and wounds.
- Advanced Wound Care Techniques: Utilizing cutting-edge therapies, including specialized dressings and debridement. While we do not currently perform grafting procedures, we work closely with wound care specialists to ensure optimal healing. In some cases, after circulation has been improved, the wound care provider may place a graft at the site to aid in healing.
- Collaborative Care: Working with vascular specialists to improve blood flow and accelerate healing.
- Personalized Preventive Plans: Tailored advice on foot care and lifestyle changes to reduce future risks.
- Addressing the Pedal Loop: What makes foot rescue unique is that we treat not only the small arteries in the calf but also the even smaller arteries that supply the foot and toes.
The Benefits of Early Intervention
Timely care is the key to saving limbs and avoiding painful, costly surgeries. With our Foot Rescue services, you can expect:
- Faster wound healing
- Improved blood flow and circulation—all the way to the toes
- Lower risk of infections and complications
- Greater mobility and independence
Testimonials
Real Stories, Real Results
“OMG!! I had something bad going on with my foot from diabetes, so it took me to this vascular office. I was so anxious, and then Brother John (Scallions) came into the room and he told me that I was family now and that they would be there for me.♥️ I must say that they have been nothing less than great! I am forever thankful, grateful, and blessed to be a part of this amazing family! … Thank you guys for being there for me when I needed it most!♥️🥲”
T.D., Memphis patient, Google review 2025
“Dr. Hodgkiss is the B E S T! He’s a rockstar doctor!! He asks all the good questions, hears you out, and treats you the best way for your situation! He’s got the greatest personality and outlook! I’d def recommend him a million times over! He and his office have given me my life back! Dr. Hodgkiss is amazing and works wonders! I love this place and would def recommend it to anyone with pain issues!”
S.M, Memphis patient, Google review 2025
Protect Your Foot Health Today
Don’t wait for minor issues to become major problems. Southern VIP’s Foot Rescue program is here to help you take control of your foot health and prevent amputation. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward a healthier
future.
FAQs
1. What is the pedal loop, and why does it matter to PAD
The pedal loop is a network of small arteries in the foot that connect the main leg arteries to the toes.
When this loop is healthy and open, blood can reach every part of the foot, helping wounds heal and
keeping tissue alive. In patients with PAD or diabetes, restoring flow through the pedal loop can be the
key to saving a limb.
Your vascular specialist uses imaging tests such as ultrasound or angiography to visualize blood flow in
the foot. These tests show where the blockages are and help the doctor decide whether a minimally
invasive procedure is needed. Understanding your pedal loop’s condition helps create a personalized
treatment plan that targets the exact area of poor circulation.
Yes, in many cases it can. Specialists at Southern VIP perform advanced, minimally invasive Foot Rescue
procedures to restore blood flow through tiny arteries in the foot. Reestablishing this circulation can
relieve pain, promote wound healing, and prevent amputation, especially when combined with proper
wound and diabetes care.
2. Interventional Radiologists vs. Vascular Surgeons
Both specialists treat blood vessel diseases, but they do so in different ways. Interventional radiologists
use imaging guidance to perform minimally invasive procedures through tiny punctures, often avoiding
the need for open surgery. Some vascular surgeons are trained to perform both open and minimally
invasive operations, giving them a broader range of surgical options when needed.
You should see an interventional radiologist if you have circulation issues that can be treated with image
guided, catheter-based procedures. These specialists use advanced imaging to precisely target blockages
and restore blood flow with less pain and faster recovery. Southern VIP’s interventional radiology team
often treats PAD, nonhealing wounds, and other limb-saving conditions using these techniques.
Yes, and they often do. In many cases, the best outcomes come from a collaborative approach where both
specialists review your case. Interventional radiologists may handle minimally invasive procedures, while
vascular surgeons manage complex or surgical cases. At Southern VIP, this teamwork ensures every
patient receives the most effective, personalized care for their condition.
3. Limb loss Awareness Month
In many cases, yes. Early diagnosis and treatment of conditions like peripheral artery disease (PAD) and
diabetes-related wounds can make a huge difference. Restoring blood flow, managing infections, and
maintaining good foot care can often prevent amputation when addressed promptly.
Don’t wait. Schedule a vascular evaluation right away. A wound that doesn’t heal or constant foot pain
could be a sign of poor circulation or advanced PAD. The team at Southern VIP can perform diagnostic
tests and, if needed, use minimally invasive procedures to improve blood flow and promote healing.
Poor circulation often develops silently, and by the time pain or wounds appear, the tissue is already at
risk. Early vascular screening helps identify problems before they become severe. Regular checkups and
prompt treatment are the best ways to protect your legs, your mobility, and your quality of life.
