Wound Care

What is wound care?

Wound care diagnoses, treats, and prevents slow-healing ulcers caused by poor circulation or other chronic medical conditions. Specifically, it uses treatments like wound debridement, antiseptic solutions, and advanced dressings to reduce the risk of infection and gangrene, while encouraging your body’s natural healing process.

What conditions does wound care treat?

At Woodlands Center for Special Surgery, the team uses wound care to treat various types of ulcers, including:

Venous stasis ulcers

Venous stasis ulcers occur due to conditions like varicose veins, blood clots, or swelling. They typically develop on the inner leg, just below the knee. Venous stasis ulcers are red and often emit fluid. These wounds account for 80-90% of all ulcers. 

Diabetic ulcers

Diabetic ulcers occur due to permanent nerve damage. If you have diabetes, it’s important to monitor your blood sugar daily and take steps to live a healthier lifestyle. If you don’t, you might cut yourself or step on a sharp object and not realize it. Over time, the injury could become infected, increasing your risk of gangrene or amputation.

Arterial (ischemic) ulcers

Arterial ulcers occur as a result of poor circulation. They tend to form on the heels or between the toes and are brown, grey, or black. Common causes of arterial ulcers include diabetes, high blood pressure, and chronic venous insufficiency.

What does a wound care appointment involve?

At Woodlands Center for Special Surgery, the team tailors wound care to each individual’s needs. 

At the beginning of the visit, your provider reviews your health history and asks about your symptoms. Afterward, they conduct an exam and order an ultrasound to assess your circulation. Most wounds are visible to the eye, but if your provider suspects an infection, they might also order blood work. 

After determining the type and severity of your wound (or wounds), the team develops a custom treatment plan that relieves pain, reduces the risk of infection, and encourages your body’s healing process.

Depending on the location of your wounds and the severity of your symptoms, the team might recommend:

• Cleaning the wound
• Debridement
• Dressing the wound
• Compression stockings or bandages
• Oral antibiotics
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
• Ultrasound therapy

To learn more about the various types of wound care, make an appointment at Woodlands Center for Special Surgery by calling the nearest office or using the online scheduling button today.