Memorial Hospital’s Wound Center, in Abilene, is asking patients to love their feet by being mindful of certain conditions and complications associated with non-healing wounds. When it comes to foot care, the wound center staff knows that healthy feet are vital to the happiness and activity level of a patient.
Approximately one out of every four Americans with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer in their lifetime. Because foot ulcers can take weeks or months to heal without treatment, hospitalization is sometimes required. Memorial Hospital’s Wound Center can help mitigate that risk if an ulcer is reported when signs or symptoms first appear.
“Diabetic patients could benefit greatly if referred to us for specialized care at the first sign of a non-healing foot wound,” said Wound Center Medical Director, William Short, MD.
Here are some tips to keep feet healthy:
- Neuropathy is a loss of feeling or numbness in limbs caused by nerve damage that most commonly begins in the hands or feet. Peripheral neuropathy is a major contributor foot ulcers. Check the bottoms of feet daily by placing a mirror on the floor and hovering feet over the mirror.
- Diabetic foot ulcers are often painless, so special care must be given to taking care of the feet. Avoid walking barefoot.
- Wear comfortable shoes and socks. Tight, narrow shoes and shoes with an open toe should be avoided.
Memorial Hospital’s Wound Center treats all wounds. The approach to wound care is aggressive and comprehensive, yet caring and comforting. The center coordinates traditional and advanced therapies that aid and accelerate the healing process. For patients, that means faster healing times, longer-lasting results, decreased amputation rates, and increased mobility – all leading to a better quality of life.
The types of wounds treated include:
- diabetic foot ulcers
- venous ulcers
- pressure ulcers
- surgical wounds
- traumatic wounds
- arterial ulcers
- radiation wounds
- compromised skin grafts and flaps
- crush injuries
The Wound Center at Memorial Hospital is open every Thursday. Call the Wound Center Clinical Coordinator, Kristen Frieze, RN at (785) 571-1070 for more information, or speak with your doctor about a referral to Memorial Hospital’s Wound Center for treatment of your wound. Visit the Wound Center webpage at http://mhsks.org/wound-healing-center/ for more information.