April is National Foot Health Awareness Month and a time when the providers at the
CVMC Center for Wound Healing & Hyperbarics suggest people take a moment to stand up for their feet. Right now, 6.7
million Americans are living with a chronic wound, and more than two million
of those are suffering from a diabetic foot ulcer. Even more startling,
about 60% of non-traumatic limb amputations are performed on people living
with diabetes
“At the Wound Care Center, we specializing in the treatment of chronic
wounds and non-responsive conditions,” explains Julie Stecher,
CVMC Center for Wound Healing & Hyperbarics Healogics Program Director. “This includes the treatment of chronic
foot and leg wounds that are often caused by underlying conditions such
as diabetes and vascular disease.”
Are your feet at risk? Some of the primary risk factors for wounds of the
feet include:
- Neuropathy
- Deformity of the foot
- History of foot ulceration
- Absent or diminished pulses
- Prior amputation
Julie offers some preventative foot care tips that everyone can do to improve
foot health:
- Check your feet for red spots, cuts, swelling, blisters, sores or other
injuries daily
- Wash your feet every day and dry them with care, especially between the toes
- Trim your toenails as needed after you’ve washed and dried your feet
- Wear properly fitting shoes that do not rub or pinch your feet
- Always wear socks or stockings with your shoes, and never walk barefoot
or while wearing just socks
- Physical activity can help increase circulation in your feet. Consult your
healthcare team to see which physical activity is right for you
Take off your socks at your next check-up, and alert your doctor to any
problems with your feet.
CVMC Center for Wound Healing & Hyperbarics offers comprehensive wound care and leading-edge treatments including
hyperbaric oxygen therapy, negative pressure wound therapy, bio-engineered
skin substitutes, biological and biosynthetic dressings and growth factor
therapies.
For more information on the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers or chronic
or infected wounds, contact
CVMC Center for Wound Healing & Hyperbarics at 828.485.0924. Hours are Monday-Friday from 8am to 5pm. There is no
physician referral needed.