The Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center at The Villages Regional Hospital is participating in a national campaign to provide education on the treatment of potential or existing chronic wounds for people also suffering from diabetes.
The campaign, which runs through November, focuses on early detection and intervention toward helping to mitigate the possibility of limb loss. Statistics show that 4 to 10 percent of diabetics will develop a foot ulcer, and an estimated 15 percent of people with foot ulcers will suffer a major amputation.
“Proper wound care is imperative to healing diabetic foot ulcers,” said Todd Powell, program director of the TVRH Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center. “High blood sugar levels, poor circulation, immune system issues, nerve damage, and infection may all contribute to a non-healing diabetic foot ulcer.”
The Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center at TVRH offers a number of leading-edge treatments including hyperbaric oxygen therapy, Total Contact Castin, and Negative Pressure Wound Therapy. These specialized therapies can aid in wound closure, new tissue growth, wound tissue regeneration and much more.
Early detection and intervention are the keys to lessen the possibility of limb loss. The Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center at TVRH 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
