LUMBERTON — April is National Foot Health Awareness Month and a time when the experts at Southeastern Wound Healing Center suggest people take a moment to stand up for their feet.
According to the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society, the average person takes 10,000 steps each day, which adds up to more than 3 million steps per year.
The center treats chronic foot and leg wounds that are often caused by underlying conditions such as diabetes and vascular disease. It is estimated that 25 percent of the 29.1 million people living with diabetes will develop a diabetic foot ulcer and without treatment the wounds can lead to amputation or death.
“The statistics are truly startling when you realize that about 60 percent of non-traumatic limb amputations are performed on people living with diabetes,” said Dr. Scott Covington, chief medical officer with Healogics Inc., which manages the center.
The center specializes in the treatment of chronic wounds and non-responsive conditions.
The center offers the following foot care tips:
— Check your feet for sores or other injuries every day. You may have an injury, but cannot feel the pain.
— 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 health-care team to see which physical activity is right for you.
Southeastern Wound Healing Center, an affiliate of Southeastern Health, offers comprehensive wound care and leading edge treatments, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy, negative pressure wound therapy, bio-engineered skin substitutes, biological and biosynthetic dressings, and growth factor therapies.
For more information on the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers or chronic or infected wounds, call the center, which is located at 103 W. 27th St. in Lumberton, at 910-735-8912 or log on to www.southeasternhealth.org/woundhealing. No referral is required.
