The Path to Healthy Feet
By: Nathan F. Peters, MSN, ARNP, FNP-C of Osceola Regional Health Center and Avera Medical Group Sibley
April is Foot Health Awareness Month! We, the staff at Osceola Regional Health Center’s Wound Clinic, encourage patients to put their ‘best foot forward’ by following a few simple healthy feet tips.
The majority of adults in the US acknowledge they do not care for their feet as regularly as some other body parts, such as their heart or teeth. Because foot health can be an indicator for other health problems, it is important to take care of your feet each day.
Seeing firsthand the effects of delayed care, we continually stress the importance of preventative measures. Putting your ‘best foot forward’ means routine foot checks – especially for those with diabetes or other systemic diseases, like peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
In addition to routine foot checks, I recommend that patients:
- Avoid walking barefoot.
- Wear properly fitted shoes.
- Keep toenails trimmed.
- Wear socks or stockings with shoes.
- Regularly wash feet with soap and warm water; rinse well and pat dry.
If a patient discovers a non-healing wound or ulcer on their feet, wound care is essential. Here at Osceola Regional Health Center’s Wound Clinic, we treat all wounds with a comprehensive approach. For patients, that means faster healing times, increased mobility and decreased amputation rates – all leading to a better quality of life.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 712-754-5349. No referral required. The Wound Clinic at Osceola Regional Health Center is open on Fridays starting as early at 8am.