Wound Care

If you experience a cut, burn, or ulcer, you can rely on board-certified podiatrists Leland Gilmore, DPM, and Shalin Panchigar, DPM, at Capital Podiatry Associates in Alexandria, Virginia, for medical wound care. They have the expertise and experience to ensure that you heal safely and effectively. You can prevent infection, minimize scarring, and recover quickly with proper care. Book an appointment now if you have a wound by calling the office or using the online scheduling feature.

What is wound care?

Wound care is a specialized medical approach to managing and treating injuries that break the skin, like cuts, burns, ulcers, and surgical incisions. It focuses on cleaning, protecting, and promoting healing while preventing infection and scarring.

Wound care is essential for ensuring optimal recovery, particularly from chronic or severe wounds that won’t heal on their own.

Which problems can wound care address?

Wound care can treat many types of injuries and conditions, including:

• Acute wounds: cuts, abrasions, burns, and surgical wounds
• Chronic wounds: diabetic foot ulcers, pressure sores, and venous leg ulcers
• Infected wounds: those showing signs of redness, swelling, and/or pus
• Trauma-related injuries: deep lacerations, punctures, and abrasions
• Postsurgical wounds: incisions requiring careful monitoring to avoid complications

If you have a condition like diabetes or poor circulation, you need wound care to prevent complications. Ignoring proper treatment can result in complications like infection and amputation.

How does wound care work?

Wound care involves several steps tailored to the wound’s severity and type, including:

1. Assessment: examination of wound for size, depth, and signs of infection
2. Cleaning: removal of debris and bacteria to prevent infection
3. Debridement: removal of dead or damaged tissue to promote healthy tissue growth
4. Dressing: proper covering of the wound to keep it moist and protected
5. Follow-ups: monitoring to ensure healing and identify signs of complications

In addition, advanced treatments like negative pressure therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, or laser therapy could be recommended for stubborn or severe wounds.

What can happen if I don’t get wound care?

Neglecting wound care can lead to severe complications, including:

Infection

Untreated wounds can become infected, potentially leading to abscesses or systemic infections like sepsis.

Delayed healing

Poor care can slow recovery, resulting in chronic wounds that resist healing.

Scarring

Improper healing increases the likelihood of significant scarring.

Amputation risk

For severe or infected wounds, particularly if you have diabetes, untreated injuries can escalate, potentially requiring amputation.

Timely wound care promotes healing, prevents complications, and ensures your general health. If you have a wound, schedule an appointment today at Capital Podiatry Associates for an evaluation by calling the friendly staff or booking online anytime, day or night.