What is wound care?
Wound care is a medical specialty that focuses on treating wounds. Everybody has had a wound at some point in their life. Most wounds are minor cuts and scrapes that heal on their own. Others are more serious and require professional care.
For some patients, particularly those with diabetes, a small wound can turn into a dangerous complication. Proper wound care helps reduce complications that can arise with certain wounds.
Who needs wound care?
Non-healing wounds are wounds that don’t heal or improve within four weeks. They’re especially common in patients with diabetes, a chronic condition that results from long-term high blood sugar levels. Diabetes causes neuropathy, a type of nerve damage, and poor blood circulation.
As a result, patients with diabetes or another condition that causes nerve damage may not realize when they have a small cut or scrape in their feet because they can’t feel it. Because diabetes also leads to poor blood circulation, your wound may not heal as quickly as it should.
Even a single non-healing wound leaves your skin vulnerable to infection. Without treatment, non-healing foot wounds can lead to:
- Gangrene
- Necrosis (tissue death)
- Edema (swelling)
- Poor mobility
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Amputation
Dr. Lambarski specializes in diabetic ulcer care. A diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore that doesn’t heal properly. To prevent serious complications or amputation, it’s important to seek professional care for diabetic foot ulcers.
What is involved in wound care?
After a comprehensive evaluation of your feet, Dr. Lambarski can recommend the right treatment for your foot wound. Your treatment may include one or more of the following:
Offloading
Removing pressure from your non-healing wound is vital for the healing process. Offloading devices, casts, and special footwear can help relieve pressure from your affected foot.
Debridement
If necrotic tissue is preventing your wound from healing, Dr. Lambarski may need to remove it. Removing dead tissue and bone can help accelerate the healing process.
Lifestyle changes
A healthy diet, regular exercise, and quitting tobacco use are just a few ways you can prevent and treat wounds if you have diabetes. It’s also important to check your feet every day for signs of cuts, blisters, and calluses. You can prevent small cracks in your feet by moisturizing them and wearing clean socks every day.
To learn more about wound care, call Northeast Foot Care or schedule an appointment online today.
