A New Cure for Difficult to Heal Foot Wounds

Chronic wounds like diabetic foot ulcer are quite common and a serious threat to well-being of patients. About 24 million people in the US alone, suffer from diabetes and around 18 percent of these people encounter chronic wounds like foot ulcer that do not heal. Many of these wounds eventually result in amputation. There is up to 45 times higher risk of amputation in diabetics. The two primary reasons for development of diabetic foot ulcers are neuropathy and narrowing of arteries.

Diabetic neuropathy affects the nerves that enable sensations by carrying the messages from the brain*to different parts of the body. Peripheral artery disease, which causes narrowing of arteries due to formation of deposits in the arteries, is common in diabetes patients. It reduces the flow of blood to the affected areas and this lack of blood supply hampers the wound healing process. Foot ulcer can be prevented by regularly examining for signs of trouble like broken skin or cuts that don't heal. Proper control of diabetes and maintaining good glucose control also significantly helps in preventing foot ulcer as well as other serious complications associated with diabetes. Simple preventive measures including not walking barefoot, wearing comfortable shoes and properly clipping nails and keeping feet clean, dry and moisturized help a great deal.

Treatments for Open Wounds

When we talk about open wounds we are talking about external injuries such as to the mucous membrane or skin, injuries that results in the breaking or opening of tissue.

Open wounds are usually a result of scrapes, cuts, abrasions and punctures. These wounds are mostly accompanied by bleeding. There are various treatments that help minimize extensive bleeding, infection and intensive scarring. The treatment includes applying pressure, cleaning, dressing, stitching and medication. We will discuss each of these treatments in detail below:

- Applying Pressure