BROOKINGS — Brookings Health System’s Wound Center asks the community to participate in the “Every Sole Deserves a Sock” drive this February. All new pairs of socks donated during the drive will be given to The Salvation Army of Brookings to help struggling individuals and families in Brookings County.
“Socks are one of the most requested items in the winter for those less fortunate,” said Katie Jones, CNP, one of the medical providers at Brookings Health System’s Wound Center. “In colder months, it’s very important to protect our skin by adding warm layers. For our feet, that means wearing socks. Our feet and lower legs are at the greatest risk of developing a chronic wound. Socks can help prevent wounds from ever starting.”
Numerous health problems can result from not having or wearing socks, including:
•    Friction – Bony parts of the foot can become irritated if socks are not worn. This leads to thickened skin which results in painful calluses and corns.

•    Frostbite – Socks provide warmth and help minimize the constriction of blood vessels. Constricted blood vessels make toes susceptible to damage by the cold. Severe frostbite can result in amputation.
•    Neuropathy – People with neuropathy have nerve damage and are at a greater risk for developing foot ulcers. When nerve function is lost, it makes it harder to feel thickened skin or irritations. If skin breaks down, a non-healing wound called an ulcer can form. Ulcers can become infected, and can even infect bone, which can result in amputation. Patients affected by neuropathy include those with diabetes, alcohol abuse problems and those on certain medications.
Community members wishing to participate in the sock drive can drop off new pairs of socks at Brookings Health System’s main campus entrance at 300 Twenty-Second Avenue in Brookings.
Brookings Health System’s Wound Center offers comprehensive wound healing. The wound center treats individuals with wounds caused by medical treatments, disease or injuries.
It also offers hyperbaric oxygen therapy to help patients with difficult to heal wounds. Wound care experts are dedicated to healing wounds, preventing lower limb loss and optimizing outcomes for patients.
For more information on wound care, please visit brookingshealth.org/WoundCare.