Free Diabetic Foot Screening at Griffin Hospital

The Comprehensive Wound Care Center at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St., Derby, is offering individuals diagnosed with diabetes free help with taking care of their feet.

On Thurs., Nov. 14 from 5-7 p.m., the Center will host a free diabetic foot screening event at the hospital. Each screening will take about 10 minutes and will include consultation with a podiatrist if needed. The screenings will be first come, first served, however registration is required by visiting the Griffin Hospital events calendaror by calling 203-732-1511. For any questions, call the Center at 203-732-7140.

Foot problems are common with diabetes. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes cause damage to blood vessels and peripheral nerves that can result in peripheral artery disease and peripheral neuropathy.

Due to the decreased sensation from nerve damage and the lack of oxygen being delivered to the feet, people with diabetes have an increased risk of ulcers as well as bunions, corns, calluses, hammertoes, fungal infections, dryness of the skin, and ingrown toenails. These problems are not specific to diabetes, but can occur more commonly due to the nerve and vascular damage. If these foot problems are not properly checked or treated, individuals may suffer from tissue death due to absence of blood circulation or a life-threatening bacterial infection.

Diabetic foot screening can help determine risk factors early, and reduce amputations and ulcerations. Studies have shown that early detection and intervention may prevent up to 85% of amputations in diabetic patients.

Symptoms of foot problems include feeling a burning sensation, feeling “pins and needles” frequently, corns and toenail problems.

Individuals diagnosed with diabetes who experience the following should contact a physician immediately:

• Open wounds and any ulcers.
• Areas of bluish/black skin.
• Ingrown toe nails with or without discharge.
• Red and hot skin (may include swelling)

About the Comprehensive Wound Healing Center at Griffin Hospital

The Comprehensive Wound Healing Center helps patients with chronic, non-healing wounds by offering highly effective treatment for a variety of chronic wounds, including: Diabetic foot ulcers; Radiation injury to tissue and bone; Compromised skin grafts; and Pressure ulcers. The Center provides a comprehensive range of services that are specifically designed to help promote wound healing, including:

• Extensive wound assessment

• Pain management

• Debridement

• Compression therapy

• Patient education

• Infection management

• Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy