Wound Care

What is Wound Care?

Wound care involves the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of various types of wounds, particularly those that are chronic or non-healing. Proper wound care is essential to prevent infections, promote healing, and avoid complications. It is especially important for individuals with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, which can impair the body’s natural healing processes.

What are Common Symptoms of Wounds Needing Care?

  • Persistent pain or tenderness
  • Redness and swelling around the wound
  • Discharge or pus
  • Foul odor
  • Non-healing or slow-healing wounds
  • Signs of infection, such as fever or increased redness

FAQs

Wounds requiring specialized care can be caused by various factors including diabetes, poor circulation, prolonged pressure, trauma, surgery, and infections. Chronic conditions such as venous insufficiency or arterial disease can also lead to non-healing wounds.

Treatment for wounds involves several approaches:

  • Cleaning and debridement: Removing dead tissue and cleaning the wound to prevent infection.
  • Dressing and bandaging: Using appropriate dressings to keep the wound moist and protected.
  • Antibiotics: Prescribing antibiotics if there is an infection.
  • Offloading: Reducing pressure on the wound, particularly for pressure ulcers or diabetic foot ulcers.
  • Advanced therapies: Using treatments such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy, negative pressure wound therapy, or skin substitutes.
  • Nutritional support: Ensuring proper nutrition to promote healing.

Yes, untreated wounds can lead to serious complications such as infections, including cellulitis or osteomyelitis (bone infection), and in severe cases, sepsis. Chronic wounds can also lead to tissue necrosis and require more extensive medical interventions, including surgery. Early and effective wound care is crucial to prevent these complications.

You should see a podiatrist if you have a wound that does not start to heal within a few days, shows signs of infection, or is associated with significant pain or swelling. Additionally, if you have a chronic condition such as diabetes, it is important to seek professional care for any wound, regardless of its size or severity.

Request an Appointment