Platte Valley Medical Clinic Spotlights National Wound Healing Awareness Month
June, 2023
The term 'wound care' often brings to mind cuts, scrapes, and bandages for the average person. However, specialized wound care programs go beyond these basic notions and play a crucial role in the communities they serve. June marks Wound Healing Awareness Month (WHAM), a time to acknowledge the challenges faced by individuals with non-healing wounds and raise awareness about how specialized care can preserve limbs and save lives.
In the United States, nearly 7 million people suffer from chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers, venous ulcers, and pressure injuries (bed sores). Timely evaluation and treatment are crucial to prevent complications like infection, sepsis, or amputation.
The majority of patients requiring wound care have been diagnosed with diabetes, which significantly impacts the healing process. Out of the 34 million diagnosed individuals in the U.S., approximately 150,000 may face limb amputation due to severe infection resulting from a chronic wound.
Here are six essential things to know about specialized wound care:
1. If you have a wound anywhere on your body that hasn't healed within 3-4 weeks (or earlier if you have diabetes), it's important to ask your doctor for a referral to a wound care specialist. Avoid trying to tough it out or healing the wound on your own. Consulting a wound care physician early can help prevent many complications.
2. Inspect your feet daily and keep them clean. If you get pedicures, ensure that all tools used on your feet are thoroughly sanitized.
3. Diabetic neuropathy is something to be aware of. Many diabetics do not feel pain in their legs and feet due to nerve damage caused by high glucose levels over time. A chronic wound can go unnoticed for weeks, leading to the development of an infection that can quickly worsen.
4. Control your blood glucose levels. Elevated blood glucose levels reduce the body's ability to fight off infections and slow down the healing process. Maintaining good glucose control helps prevent arterial hardening, narrowing of blood vessels, and nerve damage.
5. Familiarize yourself with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). If you are a cancer patient experiencing late effects of radiation treatment, even months or years later, consult your physician about HBOT. This therapy can promote healing by delivering oxygen-rich blood to damaged areas, rejuvenating the skin and tissues.
*** NOTE: We do not offer this therapy at Platte Valley Medical Clinic, but we are able to make referrals if needed.
6. Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and poor diet/obesity can contribute to the development of chronic wounds and hinder the healing process. Strive to adopt a healthier lifestyle and make positive changes.
Conclusion
If you or someone you care about is dealing with a non-healing wound, reach out to our experts at Platte Valley Medical Clinic. They collaborate with physicians to promptly evaluate and treat non-healing wounds, prioritizing patient well-being.
Take Action
Remember, your well-being is our top priority. Regain control over your healing journey by reaching out to us now. We look forward to assisting you on your path to recovery and helping you achieve a healthier, happier life.
Call us at 308-865-2263 and let us provide the exceptional wound healing care you deserve. Act now, because your health matters!
