Wound Care

FOOT AND ANKLE WOUND CARE

One of the most important aspects of wound care management is having a full understanding of each individual patient. This is achieved by carefully listening to our patients, addressing our patient’s concerns, answering our patient’s questions, reviewing our patient’s past medical history and performing a thorough clinical exam. In doing so, this allows us to accurately assess each patient, determine the goals of treatment and formulate a personalized treatment plan for our patients.

Not all wounds are created equal. It is important to determine the underlying cause of a wound that is being treated. Having a full appreciation of our patients and the etiology of a wound permits us to identify and address factors that may be impeding wound healing. Corrective measures are then made to maximize a patient’s wound healing potential. This is done by educating our patients and treating any risk factors that negatively affect wound healing.

Maintaining and promoting a healthy wound environment and wound bed is essential for proper wound healing.

Etiology of wounds:

• Trauma

• Diabetic neuropathic wounds

• Surgical wounds

• Lower extremity ulcers (arterial ulcers, venous ulcers, mixed ulcers)

• Skin tears

• Radiation wounds

• Pressure or decubitus wounds

Risk factors that impede wound healing:

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• Dietary or nutritional deficiencies

• Compromised immune system

• Uncontrolled diabetes

• Smoking

• Poor circulation

• Pressure

• Friction and/or shear forces on wounds

• Excessive moisture

• Lower extremity edema (swelling)

Maintaining and promoting a healthy wound environment:

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• Infection control

• Use of antimicrobial dressings

• Diligent wound care with proper cleansing

• Debridement of wounds to remove debris or bioburden

• Maintain moisture balance

• Use of appropriate shoes or pressure relief devices (heel protectors, total contact casts)

• Increase oxygenation of the wound environment (hyperbaric oxygen chamber)

• Use of skin grafts, allografts or skin graft substitutes

Your wounds are in good hands with Elite Foot and Ankle, click here to schedule your appointment today!