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. April is Foot Health Awareness Month and is a great opportunity to highlight the importance of foot health, common foot wounds and available treatments.
Those with diabetes should be especially concerned with the health of their feet. Diabetes may cause nerve damage for some people. If this happens, the nerves no longer perceive pain due to numbness and therefore do not alert a person to potential injury. Up to 70 percent of diabetic individuals experience diabetic neuropathy, and up to 25 percent of all diabetics will develop a foot ulcer in their lifetime. An estimated 15 percent of diabetics with a foot ulcer will require an amputation.
With foot ulcers preceding 80 percent of non-traumatic lower extremity amputations, we recommend foot care techniques to keep your feet healthy:
- 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.
For more information about proper foot care and treatment, contact Comanche County Memorial Hospital Center for Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine – 580.357.3280 and/or the MMG Podiatry Clinic – 580.357.3671
