Foot Health Awareness Month

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.

With foot ulcers preceding 80 percent of non-traumatic lower extremity amputations, the Comanche County Memorial Hospital Center for Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine® recommends the following 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 at 580.357.3280 and/or the MMG Podiatry Clinic 580.357.3671