How to Observe Wound Care Awareness Week

Happy June! As some of you may know, June is Wound Healing Awareness Month. As a certified wound care specialist, this is a topic that’s very close to Dr. David R. Sullivan, the podiatrist here at Westfield Foot and Ankle. To kick off Wound Healing Awareness Month, is Wound Care Awareness Week from 6/4-6/8. We invite you observe Wound Care Awareness Month by reading this blog and refreshing your memory of what to do if you form a diabetic wound or ulcer.

Prevention is the Best Medicine

The best way to care for wounds is to stop them before they even form. There are a few easy ways you can stop wounds and ulcers from forming on your feet:

• Check your shoes – make sure there are no foreign objects that may cause excessive friction on your foot

• Keep glucose levels under control – this will optimize blood circulation to your feet and help avoid developing neuropathy, a condition that makes you vulnerable to wounds

• Never go barefoot – walking without shoes increases your chances of forming a wound

Keep It Clean

The goal of caring for foot wounds and ulcers is to avoid infection. As a diabetic, your body has limited resources for fighting infections, and wounds are open doors for infections to enter your body. Keep your wound clean by:

• Washing the area daily with soap and water

• Change bandage anytime blood or other fluids soak through

• Avoid putting any weight or pressure on the wound to keep it from reopening

See Your Podiatrist

The most important step when caring for a wound is to see your local podiatrist as soon as you notice the wound forming. If you’re located in Westfield, IN, or the surrounding Hamilton County area, come see certified wound specialist, Dr. David R. Sullivan. He’ll work with you to care for your wounds and heal them as quickly as possible. Make an appointment online or call (317) 896-6655 today.