Prioritize foot health, complete daily foot checks
By Nathan Peters MSN, ARNP, FNP-C at Avera Medical Group Sibley and Osceola Regional Health Center
Our staff observes American Diabetes Month by educating the community on the connection between diabetes and wound care.
For most, a blister or cut on the foot is a small inconvenience that a bandage and time will heal, but that’s not the case for the 38.5 million Americans who have diabetes. Some of the complications of diabetes, such as neuropathy and peripheral vascular diseases, make feet vulnerable to non-healing ulcers that can lead to infection and even amputation.
Diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumatic lower extremity amputations in the United States. Every 3 minutes and 30 seconds, an American loses a limb due to diabetes. This is an alarming rate.
Though ulcers can be anywhere on the foot, most occur on the ball of the foot or on the bottom of the toes. Once an ulcer develops, it may take weeks or even months for it to heal. Early intervention and proper treatment, though, can help prevent further complications and reduce the risk of amputation.
Our mission this month is to remind those with diabetes that wound care at Osceola Regional Health Center is here to help. It’s much easier to treat a minor foot problem before it becomes serious, so don’t hesitate to seek medical attention at the first notice of a foot issue.
To stay on top of your foot health, we urge those with diabetes to check their feet daily. Use a mirror to look for blisters, cuts or scratches on the feet and between the toes. It is equally important to wear proper footwear and clean socks at all times, and to trim toenails regularly.
If you or a loved one has diabetes and discovers a non-healing wound or foot ulcer, it is important to seek medical attention. Taking care of your wound is taking care of your health. For more information, call Osceola Regional Health Center at 712-754-5349. No referral is required.