Wound Care Center

Dealing with problem wounds. Common types of wounds

At any given time almost six million Americans suffer from problem wounds. There are many different types of wounds. Some are associated with complications from diabetes, poor circulation, nerve damage,  a weakened immune system and other related vascular disorders. Other types include pressure sores and traumatic wounds.  It can be very frustrating and time consuming to heal these wounds.

Common types of wounds.

• Foot ulcers due to diabetes, poor circulation or swelling to the legs/feet.
• Pressure sores
• Sores as a result of radiation therapy
• Non-healing surgical wounds

You have a non-healing wound if:

• Your wound hasn’t started to heal in 2 weeks
• Your wound hasn’t completely healed in 6 weeks

High-tech healing.

At the Oaklawn Wound Center we provide the best technology to heal your wound. A few examples of the methods available for your care include:

• Wound dressings
• Wound debridement
• Bioengineered tissue substitutes
• Negative pressure wound therapy (wound vac)

Your first visit with us.

When you arrive at the Oaklawn Wound Center we ask that you please bring a current medications list, including any over-the-counter medications along with any allergies you may have. Also helpful would be a copy of any Medical Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA) or Advanced Directive (e.g. a DNR) you may have. Remember to bring all insurance information for verification. Our team of physicians and nurses will evaluate your wound and medical history, including all tests and X-rays. During your evaluations, additional tests may be conducted to determine blood flow and tissue oxygenation as well as identifying any infection present. We will work with your primary care physician to develop a treatment plan that will best meet your individual needs.

A team of wound care specialists.

The Wound Care Center is designed to complement your physician’s services and is committed to the treatment of problem wounds. The Center is made up of a team of professionals that includes:

• Physicians with advanced training in wound management.
• Nursing staff trained in the care of chronic wounds.
• Technicians who perform non-invasive studies and various therapies. Comprehensive wound management treatment.
• Experienced staff to assist with appointments, medical records and health insurance processing

You have an important role, too!

A great deal of the success of your healing depends on you. We count on you to follow your individual treatment plan and to keep us informed of any and all developments at home. Our staff will provide you the know-how to continue your treatment at home and show you how to protect yourself from further injuries.

Your wound treatment program.

You will undergo a thorough diagnostic examination to identify the type of wound you have and the underlying problems causing the wound. After this, a program specifically tailored to your needs will be initiated based on the most effective treatment options. Your treatment may include:

• Infectious disease management
• Physical therapy
• Vascular evaluation
• Laboratory evaluation
• Nutritional management
• Pain management
• Diabetic education
• Nuclear medicine
• Radiology
• Debridement (removal of damaged tissue or foreign objects from a wound)

Once a treatment plan has been initiated, you will visit the Center on a regular basis for wound care. You will be instructed on how to administer your own wound care at home between visits, as well as how to protect your wound from further complications. You are the most important part of your healing process. Keeping appointments and following directions clearly are critical to attaining a positive healing outcome.