Wound Care Specialist

What kind of conditions require wound care? 

When a wound grows too severe to treat on your own, it's dangerous to ignore it. That's where a wound care experts like West Suburban Podiatry comes in. Reasons you might develop a wound that doesn't heal may include: 

• Diabetes 
• Circulatory disorders
• Neuropathy 
• Extended bed rest
• Traumatic skin injury
• Severe infections

Nonhealing foot wounds are a leading cause of limb loss and permanent disability. In 85% of people with diabetes who have limb amputation, a foot ulcer was the initial problem.

Why should I get wound care early?

If you have any chronic condition causing poor immune function, you need to seek wound care as early as possible. A weak immune system doesn't heal wounds effectively, which means you're at risk for infections and nonhealing ulcers. 

With early wound care, you can prevent the wound from spreading and worsening. Early wound care could ultimately save your foot or entire leg.

What is the wound care process?

The board-certified podiatrists at West Suburban Podiatry are wound care experts who personalize wound care for you. Your care may include:

Wound cleaning

Your podiatrist meticulously cleans nonhealing and infected wounds. They use gentle protocols to eliminate harmful bacteria and deter infection. 

Topical medicine

Topical treatments for wounds can include ointments, creams, solutions, and other medications that fight infection, stimulate healing, and protect the skin. After spreading topical medicine, your podiatrist typically applies bandages to further safeguard your healing wound.

Debridement

Debridement is a procedure where your podiatrist removes dead tissue surrounding the wound. Dead skin prevents recovery and can also conceal signs of infection, so removing it allows you to start healing the right way.

Offloading

Offloading means using custom orthotics, and sometimes mobility aids like walkers, to take the pressure off your wound as it heals. 

MLS cold laser therapy

MLS cold laser therapy stimulates tissue repair and cellular growth.  It helps you form new capillaries and boosts the metabolic activity that nourishes your blood cells while increasing blood circulation around the wound. 

West Suburban Podiatry also uses other effective wound care protocols based upon your needs. 

For a partner in recovery, rely upon Chicagoland’s wound care experts. Call West Suburban Podiatry or schedule an appointment online today.