At West Coast Wound Care, we understand that some wounds take longer to heal than others. When a wound doesn’t heal within the expected timeframe, it’s classified as a chronic wound. These types of wounds can be challenging, both physically and emotionally, but with proper care and attention, help is possible. We can provide chronic wound care in the privacy, convenience, and comfort of your own home.
One of the questions we’re most commonly asked is some form of: “what can I do for my chronic wounds?” Whether you’re treating your chronic wounds or those of a loved one, there are steps you may be able to take. Now, hopefully, these can help, but, if you or someone you love has wounds that linger, it’s worth it to reach out to the professionals.
At West Coast Wound Care, we work closely with patients and their healthcare providers to develop individualized care plans for chronic wounds. Below are some tips that can help. If you have any further questions or require assistance, we can help.
The Basics
Taking your medications as prescribed is one of the most important things you can do to aid in the healing of a chronic wound. If your doctor has prescribed medication, it’s crucial to complete the full course, even if you begin to feel better before finishing. Stopping too soon can allow bacteria to survive and potentially lead to further complications. This may sound basic, but you might be utterly amazed at how many people don’t follow this exact advice.
When we sit down with you to go over your wound care, we’ll make sure to create a treatment plan that fits into your life and meets your needs.
A Healthy Diet Leads to a Healthier You
Eating a healthy diet is another key component of wound healing. Your body is unique, unlike anyone else’s. That said, when healing from a chronic wound, you’ll most likely require a healthy diet that helps your body. Often, this includes balanced meals with plenty of vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins A and C, like oranges, cantaloupe, and carrots.
Protein is essential for tissue repair, so include sources like meat, eggs, dairy, and legumes in your diet. If that doesn’t sound viable or it doesn’t fit you, we can help here as well. We’ll go over your nutrition with you, helping you to find the right diet for you right now.
Staying hydrated is also important, as water helps transport nutrients and remove waste from your body, both of which are essential for the healing process. Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, and if you have conditions like kidney or heart disease that require fluid restrictions, consult your doctor before increasing your fluid intake.
Fitness That Fits Your Life
It’s important to note that, when we say “physical activity,” we don’t mean that you have to go to the gym for hours on end, hike up a mountain, etc. Walking, for example, improves circulation to your legs and can promote faster healing. We’ll assist you in devising a fitness plan that helps your life where you are right now.
While physical activity can be so beneficial to your health, it may very well also be important to keep pressure off the wound. If the wound is in a location prone to pressure from sitting or lying down, make an effort to change positions frequently. Even small shifts in weight can help reduce pressure on the wound and promote better circulation to the area. Pressure-relieving supports, such as cushions or mattresses designed to reduce strain on certain areas of the body, can be beneficial as well.
If your wound is accompanied by swelling, you may benefit from compression stockings or similar accouterments. These can help reduce swelling and improve circulation, which is vital for healing. Additionally, elevating the affected area, particularly if it’s a leg or foot wound, can further reduce swelling. When sitting or lying down, try to keep the wounded area elevated above the level of your heart.
Chronic Wound Care and Beyond
At West Coast Wound Care, we are committed to providing patients with the support and expert care they need to heal chronic wounds effectively. By following these steps and working closely with your care team, you can improve your chances and your health.
If you want to receive wound care without leaving your home, nursing home, or assisted living facility, we can help. You can reach us by calling or messaging us through our site.