For the City Times

WISCONSIN RAPIDS — Aspirus Riverview Wound & Hyperbarics is raising awareness of diabetic foot ulcers by participating in the Healogics National Diabetes Campaign.

Located within Aspirus Riverview Hospital in Wisconsin Rapids and a member of the Healogics network, Aspirus Riverview Wound & Hyperbarics offers advanced therapies to patients suffering from chronic wounds like diabetic foot ulcers. The center’s staff will dedicate the week of Oct. 30 to visiting local clinics to share information on the treatment of potential and existing chronic wounds for people with diabetes.

An estimated 30.3 million people in the United States (9.4 percent of the population) have diabetes, including 7.2 million who are unaware they are living with the disease. The percentage of adults with diabetes increases with age, reaching a high of 25.2 percent among those aged 65 and older.  In addition to age, risk factors for diabetes include diet, activity level, obesity and heredity.

High blood sugar levels, poor circulation, immune systems issues, nerve damage, and infection may contribute to a non-healing diabetic foot ulcer.  Approximately 15 percent of people living with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer. An estimated 14-24 percent of people with foot ulcers will experience an amputation.

Early detection and intervention can help to mitigate the possibility of limb loss. Aspirus Riverview Wound & Hyperbarics recommends the following to help prevent diabetic foot ulcers:

• Stop smoking immediately
• Comprehensive foot examinations each time you visit your health care provider (at least four times a year)
• Daily self-inspections of the feet, or have a family member perform the inspection
• Regular care of the feet including cleaning toenails and taking care of corns and calluses
• Choose supportive, proper footwear (shoes and socks)
• 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. Aspirus Riverview Wound & Hyperbarics offers a number of leading-edge treatments including Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Total Contact Casting (TCC), and Negative Pressure Wound Therapy. These specialized wound care therapies can aid in wound closure, new tissue growth, wound tissue regeneration and much more.

For more information about treating diabetic foot ulcers or any other type of wound that will not heal, please contact Aspirus Riverview Wound & Hyperbarics at 715-422-7755 or visit aspirus.org/RiverviewWoundCenter