Wound Care

Types of Wounds 

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Wounds (ulcers) can be classified based on 1) cause of the wound, 2) duration, 3) location 4) and potential for ultimate healing of the wound. ​

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1. Causes - diabetes, poor circulation, surgical, trauma, infection, pressure, cancer, auto-immune disorders. ​

2. Duration - Acute wounds are less than 3-4 weeks and are typically trauma or surgical related. Chronic wounds are greater than 3-4 weeks and include diabetes, poor circulation, infection, pressure cancer, or auto-immune causes. ​

3. Location - Wounds on the weight-bearing surface of the feet must be treated differently than elsewhere and often require professional treatment. ​

4. Potential for Healing - Some patients with diabetes and poor circulation will have wounds that last longer than 4 weeks. These wounds are especially difficult to treat and will require professional intervention.