Wound Care Specialist

What causes chronic wounds?

Normally when you experience an injury, your body goes through several predictable stages of healing. When you experience a chronic wound, it’s the result of an underlying issue that prevents your body from completing the healing process. 

Chronic wounds typically occur as a result of conditions that impair your blood circulation or weaken your immune system. Poor circulation prevents your body from delivering the oxygen and nutrients needed for proper healing.

People with diabetes frequently experience chronic wounds. Diabetes impairs blood circulation and nerve functions (neuropathy), preventing the body from successfully completing the healing process. Chronic wounds are most common in the feet and legs. 

What are the risks of a chronic wound?

If you have a chronic wound, it may heal very slowly, repeatedly open up, or not heal at all. Chronic wounds put you at risk for many serious health concerns including:

• Chronic pain
• Loss of mobility
• Loss of function
• Infection
  
  

The complications of a chronic wound extend beyond physiological risks. People with chronic wounds frequently experience stress, anxiety, and depression as a result of their condition. 

If you experience a chronic wound, seeking prompt medical treatment can help you avoid further complications and restore the health and function of the affected area.   

How are chronic wounds treated?

The team at Amit Shah DPM provides personalized wound care. During your initial appointment, your doctor performs an in-depth examination to determine your needs. 

Depending on your condition, your doctor may perform a physical exam, imaging tests, and discuss your medical history. Your doctor works with you to develop the right treatment plan for your chronic wound. 

After your examination, your doctor begins treatment by cleaning the wound and removing any dead or inflamed tissue. Once the wound is clean, your doctor applies a dressing to keep excess moisture away from the wound and protect it from infection. 

If your chronic wound is caused by poor circulation, your doctor may use compression bandages to promote circulation and help you heal faster. Depending on the severity of your wound, you may require additional treatments like:

• Skin grafts
• Vacuum-assisted closure therapy
• Ultrasound therapy
• Electromagnetic therapy
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy

If your wound is painful, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain pills or prescribe pain medication. The goal of chronic wound care is to relieve your pain and provide your wound with the environment necessary to complete the healing process. 

To discuss treatment of your chronic wound, call or book an appointment online today.