Goshen Wound & Hyperbaric Center promotes foot health education during National Foot Health Awareness Month

A little attention to your feet can go a long way toward keeping a spring in your step and avoiding problems down the road. That's why the experts at Goshen Wound & Hyperbaric Center have turned the spotlight on wound prevention in April during National Foot Health Awareness Month.

Here are tips for regular at-home foot checks that can help prevent cuts, blisters or sores that can cause big problems if they don't heal properly.

• Check your feet daily for red spots, cuts, swelling, blisters, sores or other injuries.
• Wash your feet every day and dry them with care, especially between the toes.
• Wear properly fitting shoes that do not rub or pinch your feet.
• Wear socks with your shoes, and never walk barefoot or while wearing only socks.
• Get moving to increase circulation in your feet. Talk with your healthcare team about the right physical activity for you.

People with chronic health problems (like diabetes, peripheral arterial disease and other vascular conditions) are at greater risk to develop a wound that won't heal. "Diabetic patients do not have good sensation in their feet and often do not even know they have been injured," said Mark Ranzinger, MD, Goshen Wound & Hyperbaric Center Medical Director.

Nearly 7 million people in the U.S. live with a chronic wound today. One in four suffers from diabetic foot ulcers. Chronic wounds can lead to infection, limb loss and even loss of life. If you have a foot sore that doesn’t heal by 50% in 4 weeks, talk to your doctor.
 
Goshen Wound & Hyperbaric Center offers life-changing treatment to those who have chronic wounds by applying a multidisciplinary approach with specially trained providers, advanced therapies, individual treatment plans and compassionate care.