April is National Foot Health Awareness Month and a time when the experts at the Columbus Regional Health (CRH) Wound Center suggest people take a moment to learn more about foot health. 

Are your feet at risk?
Some of the primary risk factors for wounds of the feet include: underlying conditions such as diabetes and vascular disease, neuropathy, deformity of the foot, history of foot ulceration, absent or diminished pulses, and prior amputation. 

Preventative Measures
There are preventative measures everyone can do to improve foot health. Following are foot care tips:
     - Check your feet for red spots, cuts, swelling, blisters, sores, or other injuries                     daily. 
     - Wash your feet every day and dry them with care, especially between the toes.
     - Trim your toenails as needed after you’ve washed and dried your feet.
     - Wear properly fitting shoes that do not rub or pinch your feet.
     - Always wear socks or stockings with your shoes, and never walk barefoot or                   while wearing just socks.
     - Physical activity can help increase circulation in your feet. Consult your                             healthcare team to see which physical activity is right for you.
     - Take off your socks at your next check-up, and alert your doctor to any problems             with your feet.

Right now, 6.7 million Americans are living with a chronic wound, and more than two million of those are suffering from a diabetic foot ulcer. The CRH Wound Center specializes in the treatment of chronic wounds and non-responsive conditions. We offer comprehensive wound care and leading-edge treatments including hyperbaric oxygen therapy, negative pressure wound therapy, bio-engineered skin substitutes, biological and biosynthetic dressings and growth factor therapies. 

For more information on the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers or chronic or infected wounds, contact the CRH Wound Center located at 3015 10th Street, Columbus, or give us a call at 812-376-5373.