HMC Wound Care Center Raising Awareness of Diabetic Foot Ulcers

HOLYOKE — The Wound Care Center at Holyoke Medical Center, a member of the Healogics network, is participating in the Healogics National Diabetes Campaign this week, Oct. 24-28.

One of nearly 800 Healogics-managed centers, the HMC Wound Care Center offers advanced therapies to patients suffering from chronic wounds like diabetic foot ulcers. Team members across the nation will dedicate the entire week to visiting local physician offices to provide education on the treatment of potential or existing chronic wounds for people also suffering from diabetes.

There are approximately 29.1 million people living with diabetes in the U.S., and nearly 28{06cf2b9696b159f874511d23dbc893eb1ac83014175ed30550cfff22781411e5} are undiagnosed. Of those 29.1 million, about 25{06cf2b9696b159f874511d23dbc893eb1ac83014175ed30550cfff22781411e5} will eventually develop a foot ulcer. Left untreated, these ulcers can impair quality of life and may lead to amputation. In 2010, 60{06cf2b9696b159f874511d23dbc893eb1ac83014175ed30550cfff22781411e5} of non-traumatic lower-limb amputations occurred in adults 20 years and older with diagnosed diabetes. Early detection and intervention can help to mitigate the possibility of limb loss.

The HMC Wound Care Center recommends the following steps to help prevent diabetic foot ulcers: stop smoking immediately; have comprehensive foot examinations on doctor visits; conduct daily self-inspections of the feet, or have a family member perform the inspection; conduct regular foot care, including cleaning toenails and taking care of corns and calluses; choose supportive, proper footwear (shoes and socks); and take steps to improve circulation, such as eating healthier and exercising on a regular basis.

Proper wound care is imperative to healing diabetic foot ulcers. The HMC Wound Care Center offers a number of leading-edge treatments, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy, total-contact casting, and negative-pressure wound therapy. These specialized wound-care therapies can aid in wound closure, new-tissue growth, wound-tissue regeneration, and more.

Contact the HMC Wound Care Center to learn more about diabetic foot ulcers or if you have a wound that will not heal. To schedule an appointment, call (413) 535-4740 or visit www.holyokehealth.com/services-specialties/intensive-wound-care.