8 / 12
Different causes,
treatment options for chronicwounds
SCRAPES, BLISTERS,
and sores come
and they go, mostly mending on their
own. But sometimes, a wound can linger
for months, causing pain and making life
miserable.
Treating these chronic wounds—and
stopping similar sores from cropping up
in the future—requires special care.
The most common chronic wounds are
venous stasis ulcers, pressure ulcers and
diabetic ulcers.
Venous stasis ulcers.
These are
caused when veins in the legs are unable
to push blood back toward the heart.
The blood pools, which causes swelling,
inflammation and sores.
People at highest risk include older
adults, women and those who are
overweight. Prevention includes wear-
ing compression stockings to keep blood
moving through veins in the legs.
Pressure ulcers.
When someone stays
in one position too long, the ongoing
pressure hampers blood flow—especially
at bony spots like the tailbone, hips or
heels. And that can trigger sores.
Bedridden people and people who use
a wheelchair are among those most likely
to get these ulcers, which are also called
bedsores.
Prevention includes keeping the skin
clean and dry and changing positions often.
Diabetic ulcers.
These develop as a
result of nerve damage, a common con-
sequence of diabetes. A loss of feeling—
often in the feet or legs—means even
minor injuries can go unnoticed, allowing
infection to set in.
Prevention includes tight control of
blood sugar, daily foot checks, frequent
visits to the doctor, and wearing proper
shoes and socks.
Treatment of a wound will depend on
its type and severity. In general, though,
wounds should be kept clean and cov-
ered, with blood flow maintained and
infections treated with antibiotics.
In some stubborn cases, certain people
with chronic wounds may need special
therapeutic machines to assist in healing.
In other cases, surgery may be needed to
get rid of dead tissue.
Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians;
American Diabetes Association; Association for the
Advancement of Wound Care
WOUND CARE EXPERTS
AVAILABLE TO HELP
Approximately 6.5 million patients in the United States are affected
by chronic wounds, and it’s estimated that 1 to 2 percent of the
population will experience a chronic wound at one time or another.
Locally, those with wounds not responding to conventional
treatments within two to four weeks often turn to Thompson
Health’s Rehabilitation Services Department, which offers a
comprehensive approach designed to speed the healing process
and allow patients to regain quality of life as quickly as possible.
Thompson’s wound care treatment team includes a board-
certified surgeon, a wound care-certified nurse and a physical
therapist certified in wound care. Their areas of expertise include:
• Diabetic/neuropathic ulcers
• Pressure ulcers
• Arterial ulcers
• Venous stasis ulcers
• Problematic surgical wounds
• Traumatic wounds
“We work with the patient and his or her referring physician
to coordinate the best course of treatment,” says the team’s
physical therapist, Carole Drake, adding that education and
caregiver training for the home are provided as well.
Thompson accepts prescriptions for wound care evaluation
and treatment from any physician. Most insurance plans are
accepted as well.
If you are concerned about a wound that does not seem to be
healing, contact your physician.
Certified in wound care, Thompson Health Physical Therapist
Carole Drake, right, is part of a Thompson wound care team
which also includes A. David Peter, MD, left.
WOUND CARE
8
| SUMMER 2016