Wound Healing Center Raises Awareness About Diabetic Foot Ulcers

From CMC: The Advanced Wound Healing Center at Cartersville Medical Center, a member of the Healogics network, is participating in the Healogics National Diabetes Campaign this month. One of nearly 800 Healogics-managed Centers, the Advanced Wound Healing Center offers advanced therapies to patients suffering from chronic wounds like diabetic foot ulcers. Team members across the nation will dedicate the entire week to visiting local physician offices to provide education on the treatment of potential or existing chronic wounds for people also suffering from diabetes.

An estimated 30.3 million people in the United States (9.4 percent of the population) have diabetes; including 7.2 million who are unaware they are living with the disease. The percentage of adults with diabetes increases with age, reaching a high of 25.2 percent among those aged 65 years or older. In addition to age, risk factors for diabetes include diet, activity level, obesity and heredity.

High blood sugar levels, poor circulation, immune systems issues, nerve damage, and infection may contribute to a non-healing diabetic foot ulcer. Four to 10 percent of people living with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer. An estimated 15 percent of people with foot ulcers will experience a major amputation.

Early detection and intervention can help to mitigate the possibility of limb loss. The Cartersville Advanced Wound Healing Center recommends the following to help prevent diabetic foot ulcers:

· Stop smoking immediately

· Comprehensive foot examinations each time you visit your healthcare provider (at least four times a year)

· Daily self-inspections of the feet, or have a family member perform the inspection

· Regular care of the feet including cleaning toenails and taking care of corns and calluses

· Choose supportive, proper footwear (shoes and socks)

· Take steps to improve circulation such as eating healthier and exercising on a regular basis

Proper wound care is imperative to healing diabetic foot ulcers. The Cartersville Advanced Wound Healing Center offers a number of leading-edge treatments including Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Total Contact Casting (TCC), and Negative Pressure Wound Therapy. These specialized wound care therapies can aid in wound closure, new tissue growth, wound tissue regeneration and much more.

Contact The Cartersville Advanced Wound Healing Center to learn more about diabetic foot ulcers or if you have a wound that will not heal. To schedule an appointment, please call 770-276-7902 or visit www.cartersvillemedical.com.

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