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There are several reasons why a patient may develop a wound on their foot or lower-limb. Wounds form mainly due to nerve damage (neuropathy), reduced blood flow to the lower-limb, compromised veins and/or persistent pressure on a specific area of the foot or lower-limb.
Diabetics are particularly at risk of developing wounds on the lower-limb because the disease results in all of the above listed conditions, if not properly managed through a good diet and exercise, as well as appropriate medication and shoe wear. Other diseases can also increase the risk of obtaining wounds on the foot or lower-limb, this includes the collagen disorders(i.e. rheumatoid arthritis) and immune compromised patients (i.e. Lupus Erythematous).
When visiting Helen for wound care and treatment she will assess and treat the wound on the initial visit, whilst providing sound advice on the way forward to maximise healing and avoid amputation in severe cases.
Helen works as part of a multidisciplinary team, consisting of Vascular Surgeons and Wound Care Sisters and she regularly consults with Orthopaedic surgeons, as well as any other medical specialists required in the patient’s care. This holistic approach ensures that a comprehensive treatment programme is developed which will give you the best possible outcome when initiating wound care and treatment.
Your health, history, activity levels, choice of shoes, any past or current medical conditions and medication is assessed. Helen will also perform a comprehensive Diabetic Assessment should you be a diabetic.
The lower limb is assessed to understand the whether there are any existing deformities that contribute to the wound’s development
Helen will evaluate the wound; measuring its’ size, assessing moisture content, tissue viability and level of infection.
The wound is treated as soon as possible, often on your initial visit. Helen will treat your wound using a Sharp-Debridement technique if necessary. Thereafter, an appropriate wound care dressing is applied and she will offload the area to promote healing.
Helen will advise on an appropriate treatment plan to be followed which will maximise your healing rate and schedule follow up appointments if necessary.
