Healthy habits for a lifetime of wellness

Dealing with wounds that won’t heal can be uncomfortable and overwhelming. We want to help you feel better.

There are several ways you can manage the care of your chronic wounds in between doctor's visits or even prevent sores from developing in the first place. Your doctors and nurses can help develop a personalized care plan specific to your diagnosis. 

Do you need help dealing with wounds that won’t heal? Call 321.434.1788 to book an appointment with our specialists.

Healthy feet are happy feet

Chronic foot wounds are particularly common, especially if you have diabetes. If left untreated, even the smallest sore can turn into a serious health problem. We want to help you prevent foot sores so you can stay active and healthy. 

• Don't go barefoot, even inside.
• Use moisturizer for excessively dry feet after you bathe yourself.
• Avoid exposing your feet to extreme temperatures, such as hot sand or cold rain.
• Don't use hot water bottles or heating pads when your feet are cold. Instead, wear loose-fitting socks.
• Use sunscreen on your feet.
• Trim your toenail straight across without rounding the corners.
• Don't cut or remove corns or calluses yourself and check with your doctor before using over-the-counter products.
• Wear comfortable shoes that fit well. Don't wear open-toed shoes, heels or sandals.
• When buying new shoes, try them on later in the day, when your feet are slightly enlarged to make sure they will fit comfortably. Don't wear new shoes for more than two hours at a time until you break them in.
• Wear shoes without cotton or cotton-blend socks or stockings. Avoid synthetic materials.
• Change your socks every day.
• If your physician has prescribed compression stockings, wear them after you have healed to prevent the wound from reopening.

Managing sores at home

Be on the lookout for pressure sores or bed sores if you or your loved one have difficulty changing position frequently or spend most of your day in bed or in a chair.

With careful attention, you can prevent bedsores or promote healing if they do occur.

• Shift your weight frequently if possible, or ask for help in repositioning yourself about once an hour.
• Consider a specialty wheelchair that will allow you to tilt yourself to relieve pressure.
• Use pressure relieving seat cushions or mattresses, but avoid donut cushions as they focus the pressure on surrounding areas.
• Keep your skin clean and dry.
• Use moisture barrier creams to protect your skin from urine or feces.
• Try to keep your clothing and bedding free of buttons, wrinkles or anything that could irritate your skin.