(866) 552-4866 Henry* thought it was a harmless scrape. He had been working on an old car in his garage for the first time in years, and as he was moving a few car parts around, his leg brushed up against a piece of metal scrap and caused a deep cut on his leg just above his ankle. Noticing that he was bleeding, Henry wiped the cut with a rag, put a bandage on it, and went about his day. For many people, that may have been the last of it. For Henry, that seemingly harmless scrape became swollen and red within a week. A month later, it still had not healed. Being a "tough guy," Henry refused to go to the doctor at first. That is, until he woke up one morning and could barely put weight on his leg. The wound was also oozing pus, and no number of over-the-counter ointments or bandages helped. By the time Henry sought wound care, he had a stubborn infection that required antibiotics, specialized dressing, and months of follow-up.
The good news is that Henry's wound finally healed with help from our multi-disciplinary team at StrideCare, but it taught him a valuable lesson about the importance of proper wound care. Yes, chronic wounds and open sores are a real thing, and caring for them is not just about slapping a bandage on them and calling it a day. Raising awareness about this important conversation is critical now more than ever since June is Wound Healing Awareness Month.
Chronic wounds or ulcers on the feet and legs affect 6.5 million patients annually and can linger for months and even years after the initial break in the skin. This is true no matter what remedies you try or how many trips to the doctor you make. Before you know it, the situation escalates from painful to life-altering. This is especially true for individuals with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, circulation issues in the legs and feet, vein disease, poor blood flow, surgeries gone wrong, trauma, lymphedema, and other health and lifestyle challenges.
These Symptoms Could Mean That You Have a Chronic Wound
- Lack of noticeable healing after a few weeks
- Persistent pain, redness, or swelling
- Discharge or a foul odor from the wound
- Rash and/or swelling on the legs and feet
- Tissue discoloration around the wound edges
- Skin that feels warm or looks shiny
- Scabbing or flaking skin
- Thickening or itchy skin
- Hair loss near the wound
- Pain and fever
Do you have slow healing open wounds, leg ulcers, or foot sores? Schedule a consultation with a StrideCare vascular specialist today to uncover the cause of your wound and find long-term healing.
The Wound Care Industry Is Bigger Than You May Think
Chronic wounds are open, non-healing sores on a person's legs or feet that do not show improvement within four weeks to three months. There are a variety of reasons you can get a chronic wound beyond the typical cutting yourself while working in the garage. This includes surgical wounds gone awry, wounds from sedentary lifestyles, wounds caused by a vascular condition, gangrene, or tissue death. There are also people with radiation wounds that will not heal. Additionally, our skin offers much less protection from injury as we age, and we tend to have a slower healing process because of that. As a result, all phases of wound healing are affected, including inflammatory responses being increased or delayed.
That said, we as a society are accustomed to many cuts, scrapes, and lacerations healing on their own in a matter of a few days. What we do not always consider is everything that is going on beneath the surface for that to happen. all wounds—even the smallest nick from catching the side of your bare foot on a protruding nail—need oxygen and adequate blood flow throughout the body to heal and promote healthy tissue regeneration on top of the wound. When there is healthy tissue regeneration, there is no risk of the break in the skin reopening. It has healed.
When you have circulatory issues, either because of damaged veins or clogged arteries, your blood cannot transport cells to the injury. As a result, you can end up with a venous ulcer or open sore wound that will not heal.
It could continue to bleed, and what was once a small cut has expanded due to ongoing tissue damage and death in and around the wound. The good news is that the wound care industry has become increasingly diverse over the years, and for good reason. Americans spend a collective $50 billion annually on wound care efforts. The team of professionals in your corner is also vast and includes wound care specialists, podiatrists, and vascular specialists collaborating together to address underlying conditions that caused the wound to begin with, improve blood flow, eliminate painful symptoms, address footwear concerns, and decrease the chance of life-altering limb loss.
7 Common Wound Care Mistakes To Avoid
It could be that the wound is healing just fine and nothing needs to be done beyond basic interventions. But if it has been a few weeks, seeking treatment now can avoid further complications. Let's break down common mistakes in wound care and offer tips on how to avoid them so you can support better healing outcomes.
1. Ignoring the wound or waiting too long to treat it
Chronic wounds or open sores are particularly concerning because they often indicate an underlying issue that will only get worse if left unchecked and untreated. Henry's story above taught us that even a small cut or blister can become a larger, ongoing issue if not cared for properly and quickly.
2. Skipping proper cleaning
Even small wounds or leg ulcers should be cleaned and monitored from the beginning. Using water only or not being diligent about keeping the wound clean, dry, and properly bandaged opens the door for debris and bacteria to multiply, worsen, and lead to infections.
3. Not changing the bandages or dressings
One of the worst wound care decisions a person can make is not changing the bandages or dressings they are using regularly. Why? There are several reasons. The wound can dry out and become more resistant to treatment. Reusing old bandages keeps existing bacteria in the mix, thus prolonging healing and increasing the risk of infection.
4. Not monitoring the wound for infection
Speaking of increasing your risk of infection, it is essential to know the signs and symptoms of existing infections. These include redness, pus-filled discharge, foul odors, pain, and swelling. Ignoring these symptoms can have lasting consequences.
5. Using improper materials
Not all home remedies stand the test of time. For instance, hydrogen peroxide, iodine, and other harsh chemicals can damage healthy tissues when not used properly. They may also not be the best antidote for your unique wound care needs. The same can be said for how you apply dressing or bandage your wound. Many think a lot of pressure is the best option in these scenarios. However, too much of it can cut off circulation and cause more harm than good.
6. Trying to pop or pick your wound
The American Academy of CPR and First Aid says that any wound care regimen should include education on avoiding the temptation to pop or pick at an existing wound. This is especially true if the wound does appear to be scabbing over. Removing a scab or dead skin around the wound or continuing to pick at an existing wound can prolong the healing process.
7. Not seeking help when your wound clearly is not healing
As much as we admire anyone for staying diligent with their wound care approach, it is essential to consult a wound care professional sooner rather than later. This is especially true if a wound is not showing improvement (or looks worse) after a few weeks. Beyond treating the wound, your multi-disciplinary team can seek out the root cause and offer myriad treatment options. Many times, addressing the root cause—such as vein disease—leads to more effective wound care, especially for venous ulcers and open sores.
You do not have to live with ineffective wound care strategies. Schedule a consultation with StrideCare's expert physicians at one of our vascular and vein clinics near you.
While we advise you to seek help from a wound care team, there are ways to avoid chronic wound issues on your own. Here are just a few to consider:
- Clean wounds gently and often
- Keep the wound moist (not dry)
- Change dressings regularly and always use clean, sterile materials
- Avoid outdated remedies. If you're unsure, ask your doctor
- Watch for signs of infection and do not delay seeking help
- Get in the habit of checking for early signs of sores, blisters, and open wounds
- Tighten any restrictive dressings
- Eat a balanced diet to support your body's healing process
- Stop smoking and drinking
- Treat underlying conditions
- When in doubt and/or experiencing slow-healing wounds, see a medical professional
This video features StrideCare expert Mina Tawfik, MD. From finding minimally invasive solutions for chronic wounds such as leg and foot ulcers to eliminating blood clots and swelling, Dr. Tawfik is committed to treating the whole patient and offering personalized treatment plans. In so doing, he utilizes the full spectrum of vascular treatment strategies to help patients reclaim their lives and enjoy everyday activities.
StrideCare Supports Wound Care for Diabetes, Leg and Foot Ulcers, and More
Wound care is more than just first aid—it prevents infections and supports your body's natural healing process, thus making chronic wounds a thing of the past. With the right knowledge, attention to detail, and a commitment to treating the root cause of your wound issues, you can avoid the common mistakes that turn minor wounds into major problems.
In some cases, healing a wound could be as simple as a medication change. In complex situations to address stubborn wounds, including diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, and other ulcerated sores on the feet, biological skin substitutes, debridements, and other methods may be needed.
Our team of podiatrists, wound care experts, and vascular surgeons offer advanced solutions to treat and prevent open wounds such as leg ulcers, foot ulcers, open sores on legs and feet, and get you back to enjoying life. There are many treatments for venous ulcers and open wounds available at StrideCare including radiofrequency ablation, VarithenaTM microfoam ablation, and sclerotherapy.
StrideCare has long been a leader in multi-specialty care for treating lower-extremity vascular and podiatric conditions. That includes our ability to perform leading-edge procedures to treat artery and vein disease and symptoms that, while minor in their earliest stages, can eventually lead to more serious and life interrupting issues. The experts at StrideCare will recommend an individualized plan to help you get the best results.
Please contact us at 866-552-4866 or complete the appointment form to schedule a consultation. We are here to help, all while providing compassionate patient care.
This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Prior to starting any new treatment or questions regarding a medical condition, always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider.
StrideCare serves North Texas and South Texas communities, including San Antonio, Stone Oak, Austin, Round Rock, Bastrop, Brushy Creek, Cedar Park, Converse, Georgetown, Hutto, Kyle, Leander, Marble Falls, New Braunfels, Pasadena, Pearland, Pflugerville, San Marcos, Schertz, Bay City, Universal City, Spring, Kingwood, Stafford, Conroe, Texas City, Cypress, League City, Bellaire, Dallas, Mesquite, Addison, Arlington, Plano, McKinney, Craig Ranch, Prosper, Flower Mound, Euless, Southlake, South Dallas, Sherman, Irving, Garland, Carrollton, Rowlett, Coppell, Forney, Rockwall, Houston, Sugar Land, Katy, Webster, Clear Lake, The Woodlands, Lake Jackson, and more.
*Patient names and/or photos may be changed to protect patient confidentiality.