CRMC Wound Care & Hyperbaric Clinic is asking patients to love their feet by being aware 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. CRMC Wound Care & Hyperbaric Clinic can help reduce that risk if an ulcer is reported when signs or symptoms first appear.
“Diabetic patients should be referred to the wound healing center at the first sign of a non-healing foot wound,” said Tracy Martini, FNP-C, Director of Wound Care. “We want our patients and the community at large to love their feet…we do!”
CRMC Wound Care & Hyperbaric Clinic is offering the following 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.
CRMC Wound Care & Hyperbaric Clinic 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 such as hyperbaric medicine. 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
burns
CRMC Wound Care & Hyperbaric Clinic at Coffee Regional Medical Center is open Monday – Friday. For more information about wound care or to schedule an appointment, call 912-720-7002. Fax 912-720-7003. Physician referrals welcome but not required.