April is National Foot Health Awareness Month, a time when the experts at the McLaren Port Huron Wound Healing Center focus on educating the public about common foot wounds and treatment. Right now, approximately 6.7 million Americans are living with a chronic wound, and more than 2 million of those are suffering from diabetic foot ulcers.
The Wound Healing Center at McLaren Port Huron treats chronic foot and leg wounds that are often caused by underlying conditions such as diabetes and vascular disease. Primary risk factors for wounds of the feet include neuropathy, deformity of the foot, history of foot ulceration, absent or diminished pulses, and prior amputation. The most common types of foot wounds are diabetic foot ulcers, venous stasis ulcers, arterial ulcers and pressure ulcers. Healogics manages the Wound Healing Center at McLaren Port Huron, specializing in the treatment of chronic wounds and non-responsive ulcers.
There are preventative measures everyone can do to improve foot health. The Wound Healing Center at McLaren Port Huron offers the following foot care tips:
- 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 health care team to see which physical activity is right for you.
“Daily foot inspections are key to prevention, particularly for individuals with diabetic neuropathy,” said William Holmes, RN, BGS, clinical program director of the Wound Healing Center at McLaren Port Huron. “Proper footwear, a healthy diet, and maintaining healthy glucose levels can help keep your feet wound-free. If you or a loved one is living with a nonhealing wound, it is important to visit the Wound Healing Center at McLaren Port Huron, where we can help you get on the path to good health and healing.”
The Wound Healing Center at McLaren Port Huron offers comprehensive wound care and leading-edge treatments including hyperbaric oxygen therapy, negative pressure wound therapy, bioengineered cellular- and tissue-based implants, biological and biosynthetic dressings, and growth factor therapies.
For more information on the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers and chronic or infected wounds, contact the Wound Healing Center at McLaren Port Huron at 1221 Pine Grove Ave., Port Huron or call 810-989-3330.