To understand why wound care is so essential to the lives of thousands, we first need to clarify what it truly entails. Many people think of stitches, staples, wraps, and ointments—but that barely scratches the surface. Wound care is the comprehensive management of non-healing wounds. It’s a specialized field that plays a vital role in the health of the communities it serves.
June is Wound Healing Awareness Month (WHAM), a time to recognize the challenges faced by individuals with chronic wounds and to raise awareness about the life- and limb-saving impact of specialized care.
In the U.S., nearly 10.5 million people are living with non-healing wounds, including diabetic foot ulcers, venous ulcers, and pressure injuries. Early evaluation and treatment are critical to avoiding serious complications like infection, sepsis, and even amputation.
A key component of wound care is identifying and managing the underlying comorbidities that can interfere with healing. One of the most common is diabetes. With over 34 million people diagnosed in the U.S., the connection between diabetes and wound complications is significant. Each year, approximately 150,000 people with diabetes will lose a limb due to a hard-to-heal wound that becomes severely infected.
“In most cases, non-traumatic lower extremity amputations can be avoided,” said Ian R. Cook MD, founder & Medical Director at Santa Clarita Valley Wound Care and Hyperbarics. “With early detection, proper evaluation and specialized treatment, most wounds can be healed in eight weeks or less. Our primary goal is to help patients avoid the drastic measure of removing a limb, foot, or toe.” In fact, 74% of patients are able to avoid amputation in a wound center.
Santa Clarita Valley Wound Care and Hyperbarics treats a variety of wounds and conditions, including radiation injuries to the tissues following cancer treatment. Treatment modalities include debridement, or the removal of dead skin and tissue to stimulate healing; and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which can speed healing by carrying extra oxygen to the blood, organs and tissues. Our physicians may also recommend compression stockings, artificial skin, or negative pressure therapy.
Here are six things patients need to know about specialized wound care:
- Seek Professional Help Early: If you have a wound that hasn’t healed within 3-4 weeks (or sooner if you have diabetes), consult a doctor for a referral to a wound care specialist. Don’t try to manage it on your own, as early consultation can prevent many complications.
- Daily Foot Inspection: Inspect your feet daily and keep them clean. If you get pedicures, ensure that all instruments used are thoroughly sanitized to prevent infections.
- Awareness of Diabetic Neuropathy: Diabetic neuropathy can cause a loss of sensation in the legs and feet due to nerve damage from high glucose levels. This means chronic wounds can go unnoticed and develop severe infections. Regularly check for any wounds to prevent complications.
- Control Blood Glucose Levels: Maintaining controlled blood glucose levels is crucial. High blood glucose impairs the body’s ability to fight infections and slows the healing process. Proper glucose control also helps prevent arterial hardening, vessel narrowing, and nerve damage.
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT): If you’re a cancer patient experiencing the late effects of radiation treatment, even years later, ask your physician about HBOT. This therapy can help heal damaged skin and tissues by increasing oxygen-rich blood flow to affected areas.
- Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet, and obesity contribute to the development of chronic wounds and hinder healing. Adopting a healthier lifestyle can significantly improve wound healing and overall well-being.
If you or someone you love has a non-healing wound, give us a call at (661) 425-5000, email info@scvwoundcare.com, or visit scvwoundcare.com for more information and assistance.