What are the different types of wounds that can develop when we get older?
Wounds can be classified as either acute or chronic. Acute wounds are defined as those that follow the normal phases of healing; they are expected to show signs of healing in less than 4 weeks. The most common acute wounds are postoperative wounds. Chronic wounds are defined as those that do not appear to follow the normal healing process in less than 4 weeks. These wounds are most commonly located on the lower leg, foot, and pelvic region. Chronic ulcers (wounds) are commonly encountered in medical practice; particularly in elderly patients who have chronic medical conditions therefore wound care for legs and feet is extremely important. Four common types of chronic ulcers are: pressure ulcers, ischemic ulcers, venous ulcers, and neuropathic ulcers.
What can cause leg ulcers or wounds in the elderly?
The incidence of ulceration is rising as a result of the aging population and increased risk factors for atherosclerotic occlusion such as smoking, obesity and diabetes. The main causes are venous valve insufficiency, lower extremity arterial disease and diabetes. Less frequent conditions include infection, vasculitis, skin malignancies and ulcerating skin diseases.
See also: Foot Ulcers in Diabetes
How can leg and foot ulcers be prevented?
Since 15% of all diabetic patients will develop a diabetic foot ulcer during their lifetime, glycemic control is imperative and wound care for legs and feet has never been more vital. Foot self-exams, routine healthcare provider visits, and appropriate footwear are all important. Compression therapy is the recognized treatment of choice for recurrent venous leg ulcers.
What wound care advice do you have for the elderly?
The most important thing to remember in regards to wound care for legs and feet is to follow your HCP treatment plan specific to your wound type and existing health conditions. Key priorities are: removal of underlying cause, appropriate dressing selection, and prevention/treatment of infection.
What can I do to heal my leg ulcer?
Acute wounds may be treated at home with the priority being control of bleeding. If this cannot be achieved quickly, seek immediate professional care. Next, cleanse the wound and apply a temporary bandage. A hospital or clinic visit is recommended, take any prescribed antibiotics and follow their directions. The treatment of chronic wounds should be managed by a healthcare professional; this may take place in a clinic or in a home health care environment. Occasionally, specialised wound care for legs and feet may be required; complex wounds may require surgical intervention in either an inpatient or outpatient setting. When acute, chronic or complex wounds do not progress in a timely positive direction, new technologies such as DermaPure® may be used to stimulate healing.
My leg ulcer is very painful, is there any way I can stop the pain?
Wounds almost always hurt, but the degree of pain will vary according to the nature, location, and severity of the injury. Burns are particularly painful, as are many blisters, cuts, and scrapes. While a puncture wound may hurt less, it could potentially be more serious if left untreated. Watch the wound to make sure it is healing; if the wound does not begin to heal or grows red, warm, inflamed or the skin around it shows red streaks, seek medical wound care immediately.
See also: Arthritis and Painful Joints
How can I tell if I am developing a wound on my legs and feet?
Check your feet weekly if you’ve never had complications. You can even perform your own wound care for legs and feet by performing exams daily, particularly if you have lost sensation or have a history of foot wounds. Limited flexibility can make foot exams difficult to do on your own, allow a companion or caretaker to help. Here are the steps to give a good foot exam.
- Look at your feet: bottom of foot including the ball, sole & heels, top of foot, between toes and toenails.
- Feel your foot: checking for bumps or temperature changes.
- Track your foot exam findings over time.
Should I get professional wound care help at home or can I manage on my own?
Most individuals prefer to manage their own healthcare and wound care is no exception. Acute wounds may be fully managed by an individual or by his/her caregiver with a minimum of professional guidance. The more chronic or complex a wound is, the more assistance and guidance is needed from a wound care specialist.
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If you have enjoyed reading this article on wound care for legs and feet then click here to read more on Celebrity Angels about how to manage diabetes for better foot health.
