Wound Treatment
Some of the most common chronic, non-healing wounds treated at Carilion Clinic’s Wound Healing Center include:
Pressure ulcers
Also known as "bed sores," these wounds occur when soft tissue is pressed between a bony area and another hard surface for a long time. This often happens to those who are restricted to a bed or wheelchair or those who cannot move around easily due to injury or illness. This type of injury can take weeks or months to heal.
Diabetic foot ulcers
Diabetes affects many body systems, including the nerves, blood vessels, muscles and immune system—making a diabetic more likely to get a foot infection and then a wound. Foot wound prevention is critical, because foot wounds can be very difficult to heal.
Venous leg wounds
Caused by vein damage, these wounds occur when blood collects in the legs, causing swelling and weeping wounds. Arterial disease can also cause wounds on the lower part of the legs and makes healing harder since blood flow is reduced.
Wound treatment options at Carilion Clinic
If you are referred to Carilion Clinic for wound treatment, your care will begin with a complete health history and physical examination. From there, we will recommend an individualized treatment plan unique to your needs. This may include one or more of the following:
- Laboratory studies
- X-rays
- Vascular studies
- Surgical debridement (removal of infected tissue and bone)
- Antibiotic therapy
- Dressing/ointment applications
- Use of crutches, wheelchair or other pressure-relieving devices
- Nutritional supplements/counseling
- Physical therapy
- Hyperbaric oxygen treatment
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