Non-Healing Wounds
Resistant Wound Care in Phoenix, AZ
When you need competent medical attention for venous disorders and vascular surgeries, you need Arizona Vein and Laser Institute, serving Phoenix, AZ, and surrounding communities since 2005. Our practice enlists the services of the top medical specialists in the area, ensuring you get the best possible treatment and care. Our team utilizes state-of-the-art equipment in the diagnosis and treatment of vascular and venous diseases and disorders and makes it a point to stay up-to-date on the latest medical advancements, treatments, and procedures.
Types of Resistant Wounds and Their Treatments
At Arizona Vein and Laser Institute, we are dedicated to helping our patients reclaim their health and lifestyle, and we believe a big part of that is educating our patients on what is happening to their bodies and how we can provide relief. While resistant wounds understandably come with unique and difficult circumstances, our team is able to help reduce discomfort and treat resistant wounds, including:
Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Because diabetes can lead to loss of feeling in the extremities and poor circulation, many diabetics are prone to foot ulcers as a result of irritation and friction. If the ulcer is found to be infected, your doctor will prescribe a treatment plan of antibiotics, wound care, and possibly hospitalization.
Lower Leg Ulcers
Leg ulcers may result from varicose veins, DVT, incompetent valves, and many other causes. Your specific treatment depends on the circumstances leading up to the ulcer’s appearance, but may include diuretics, anticoagulants, or even surgery.
Bone Infections
One of the most common resistant wounds in bones is osteomyelitis, which is a bacterial or fungal infection within the bone tissue. Those with weakened immune systems, circulatory issues, puncture wounds, or recent surgeries are at higher risk. Treatment depends on the type of osteomyelitis you’ve contracted.
Gangrene
Gangrene can be caused by a lack of blood supply, bacterial infection, or trauma, often as a result of diabetes, blood vessel disease, or surgery. Your doctor may recommend a debriding treatment, surgery, or antibiotics depending on the circumstances of the wound.
Skin Tears and Lacerations
Skin tears and lacerations are prone to bacterial or fungal infections, and when left untreated, can spread fairly quickly. After diagnosis, your doctor will recommend a treatment plan that may consist of surgery or a course of antibiotics.
Radiation Burns
Radiation burns can be caused by the sun, or more commonly, from radiation treatments. In most cases, treatment is administered in the form of specific dressings and antibiotics, though surgery may occasionally be necessary.
Post-Operative Infections
Rarely, surgical sites can become infected by bacteria or fungi. Your doctor is most likely to prescribe a course of antibiotics to facilitate recovery and healing.
Slow or Non-Healing Surgical Wounds
Poor circulation, diabetes, immunosuppressive disorders, and other medical conditions can lead to wounds that are slow to heal, after surgery, or fail to heal at all. In these cases, your doctor may suggest a course of antibiotics or surgical procedures. The same is true of failing skin and muscle grafts.
Understanding the Wound Healing Process
When dealing with venous diseases and wounds, it can be comforting to understand the healing process. There are four stages of wound healing as follows:
Phase 1: Hemostasis
The first phase of healing, called hemostasis, begins as soon as the injury occurs. The primary goal of your body during this phase is to stop the bleeding through contact between platelets and collagen. During this process, the blood begins to clot at the wound site, slowing and eventually stopping the bleeding.
Phase 2: Defensive/Inflammatory Phase
Now that the bleeding has stopped, your body jumps into action to destroy bacteria and remove debris, ultimately getting the wound bed ready for the growth of new tissues. This phase lasts for approximately four to six days and can involve swelling, reddening of the skin, and pain.
Phase 3: Proliferative Phase
Now that the wound is cleared out, your body begins to focus on filling and covering the wound with connective tissues, new blood vessels, and the growth of epithelium. This phase lasts anywhere from four to 24 days depending on the severity of the wound and your overall health.
Phase 4: Maturation Phase
During this phase, your body begins to reorganize and remodel cells and fibers to increase the strength and flexibility of the skin, ultimately regaining up to 80 percent of the strength it had before the injury occurred. As with other phases of healing, the duration of this phase can vary from 21 days to two years depending on the severity of the injury and your overall health.