Taking Foot Health Seriously
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. 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 ulcers and prior amputation.
People living 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. In fact, approximately 80 percent of non-traumatic lower extremity amputations are preceded by a non-healing foot ulceration.
The Center for Wound Care at Sebastian River Medical Center recommends the following foot care techniques to keep your feet healthy:
- Check your feet for red spots, cuts, swelling, blisters, sores, or other injuries
- Wash your feet every day and dry them with care, especially between the
- Wear properly fitting shoes that do not rub or pinch your
- Always wear socks or stockings with your shoes and never walk barefoot or while wearing just
- Physical activity can help increase circulation in your 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 foot problems.
Regular foot inspections are key to prevention. Proper footwear, a healthy diet and maintaining healthy glucose levels can help prevent wounds. For more information about proper foot care, diabetic foot ulcers or how we may be able to help avoid amputation, contact The Wound Care Center at Sebastian River Medical Center at (772) 581-2070.
