
The Center for Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine
The Center for Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine at MountainView is an outpatient clinic that specializes in the management of all types of wounds including: Diabetic ulcers, venous/arterial ulcers, pressure ulcers (bedsores), non-healing surgical incisions, infected wounds, burns and traumatic wounds.
At the Center for Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine we address the factors that can block one’s ability to heal such as: Diabetes, poor circulation, infection, nutritional deficiencies, immobility and pressure injury. We optimize the patient's ability to heal by using advanced therapies and interventions including: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, bioengineered skin substitutes (grafts), VAC (negative pressure) therapy, IV antibiotics and wound debridement.
The center is staffed by specially trained physicians, nurses, technicians, nutritionists, and diabetic educators. Our team works with your primary physician and caregivers to develop a treatment plan that speeds healing and decreases the probability of serious complications related to a non-healing wound.
WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR THE WOUND CARE CENTER?
If you are one of nearly 5 million Americans suffering from a chronic or non-healing wound or a wound that had not responded to prior treatment, the Would Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine Center at MountainView Regional Medical Center can help you. At the Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine Center, physicians provide comprehensive management for your would while your primary care physician continues to treat the underlying condition and provide for your overall care.
WHAT CAUSES THESE TYPES OF WOUNDS
Chronic and hard-to-heal wounds can be difficult to treat for various reasons. A few of the causes can be:
Diabetes
Compromised blood flow
Infection
Inadequate or Poor Nutrition
Unusual Pressure
Chronic Swelling
Effects of Radiation
Venous Disease
WE SPECIALIZE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ACUTE AND CHRONIC WOUNDS, INCLUDING:
Diabetic ulcers
Venous stasis ulcers
Arterial ulcers
Surgical wounds
Traumatic wounds
Burns
Infected wounds
Osteomylelitis
Pressure ulcers (bed sores)
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE TREATMENTS UTILIZED TO TREAT THESE WOUNDS?
All treatments vary from case-to-case, but the most common treatments include both medical and surgical care, combined with advanced wound care technology. Treatments may include:
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Skin substitites: Apilgraf, Dermagraft and Oasis
Wound VAC Therapy
Platelet Derived Growth Factor Therapy
Wound Debridement and Remodeling
Compression Therapy
WHAT IS HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBO) is a medical treatment that enhances wound healing by increasing the amount of oxygen to the wound. During Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, the patient spends 90-minutes in a clear cylindrical airtight chamber while surrounded by 100 percent oxygen. The patient may nap or watch television while undergoing treatment. HBO is used to treat a wide range of conditions including—but not limited to—Problematic Wounds, Diabetic Foot Ulcers, Osteomylelitis, and Radiation Tissue Damage. Our trained staff can help your physician determine if HBO is right for you.
BECOMING A WOUND CARE PATIENT
Your primary care physician may refer you or you may call our clinic to reschedule your own appointment. However, your insurance may require a referral. Treatment is administered on an outpatient basis. For more information about the Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine Center at MountainView, call 575-556-6855.
A MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH TO BETTER WOUND CARE
The Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine Center at MountainView Regional Medical Center is designed to treat chronic or hard-to-heal wounds, and help prevent reoccurrence. Our services are consultative in nature, and are not intended to replace the primary or referring physician. We take a team approach with your primary doctor and caregivers to manage your wound and the medical conditions that impair healing.
Diabetic Foot Care
The following risk factors increase your chances of developing foot problems and infection in your legs and feet if you are diabetic.
1. Footwear: Poorly fitting shoes are a common cause of diabetic foot problems
· If you have red spots, sore spots, blisters, corns, calluses, or consistent pain associated with wearing your shoes, you need to get new, properly fitting footwear as soon as possible.
· If you have foot abnormalities such as flat feet, bunions, or hammertoes, you may need prescription shoe or shoe inserts.
2. Nerve damage: People with long-standing or poorly controlled diabetes are at risk for having damage to the nerves in their feet. The medical term for this is peripheral neuropathy.
· Because of nerve damage, you may be unable to feel your feet.
· Diabetics may not properly perceive minor injuries (such as cuts, scrapes, blisters), signs of abnormal wear and tear (that turn into calluses and corns) and foot strain. A diabetic may not be able to perceive a stone in their shoe to remove it immediately.
Constant rubbing can easily create a sore.
3. Poor circulation: Diabetes, especially when poorly controlled, can
lead to accelerated hardening of the arteries. When there is not good
blood flow to injured tissue, healing does not occur as well.
4. Trauma to the foot: Any trauma to your foot can increase the risk for
a more serious problem to develop.
When to Seek Medical Care
Write down your symptoms and be prepared to talk about them on the phone with your doctor. Following is a list of common reasons to call your doctor if you have a diabetic foot or leg problem.
1. Any significant trauma to your feet or legs.
2. Persistent mild-to-moderate pain in your feet or legs. Constant pain is never normal
3. Any new blister, wound, or ulcer.
4. Any new areas of warmth, redness, or swelling on your feet or legs.
5. Drainage of pus from a wound is usually a sign of infection.
6. Fever of chills in association with a wound.
7. Red streaking away from or redness spreading out from a wound.
Prevention of diabetic foot problems involves a combination of factors.
· Good diabetes control
· Regular leg and foot self-examinations
· Knowledge on how to recognize problems
· Choosing proper footwear
· Regular exercise, if able
· Avoiding injury by keeping footpaths clear
· Having your doctor examine your feet at least once a year using a monofilament, device made of nylon string that tests sensation
Nutrition Tips to Help Wound Healing
People who are recovering from wounds whether from traumatic injury, surgical incisions, pressure ulcers (bed sores), poor circulation, diabetes or burns can improve
Their healing and reduce the risk of wound infections by putting extra effort into eating
well throughout the recovery process.
Unfortunately, pain, immobility, fatigue and loss of appetite may reduce the intake of
important nutrients at a time when your body needs more of them. A well-balanced diet
with adequate calories, plenty of fluids and extra amounts of protein, Vitamin C and Zinc
are essential for improved wound healing.
The following are some suggestions that we hope you will find useful.
- Take a multivitamin everyday with vitamin C and Zinc unless otherwise ordered by your doctor.
- Try not to lose weight during the process of wound healing even if you are overweight to begin with. Unless specifically instructed to lose weight as part of your treatment plan, weight loss during this time can delay healing.
- Work hard to get in at least 2 quarts of fluid each day (unless otherwise ordered by your doctor). For those with large “weeping wounds” or burn, daily fluid intake may be much higher, ask your doctor about any special needs you might have.
- Concentrate on getting more protein into your diet from foods such as meat, fish, poultry, eggs, beans and dairy products. (Protein creates and repairs tissue)
- Increase your Vitamin C and Zinc intake by eating more of the foods rich in these nutrients.
Suggested items can be found in the guidelines provided.
- If you are taking a medication called prednisone, be sure to take a multivitamin with Vitamin A. This will help to counteract the side effects of prednisone on wound healing. Ask your doctor if you should take any additional Vitamin A supplements.
- If your appetite is poor or you have lost ten or more pounds in the recent past, you may require a nutritional supplement such as Instant Breakfast, Ensure, Boost, orprotein powders. Sugar-free varieties are available for diabetics. Ask your doctor, nurse or dietician for suggestions within your dietary guidelines.
Suggested Nutrient Rich Foods for Wound Healing
Foods rich in Protein
Beef Beans Eggs
Chicken Milk Nuts
Pork Cheese Cottage Cheese
Turkey Ice Cream Yogurt
Fish Peanut Butter
Foods Rich in Vitamin C
Oranges Lemons Cranberry Juice
Orange Juice Cantaloupe Kale*
Grapefruit Green Pepper Cabbage
Broccoli Strawberries Tomatoes
Turnip Greens*
Foods Rich in Zinc
Shellfish Rice Organ Meats (liver, Gizzard)
Oysters Dried Beans and peas
Wheat Germ Dark Turkey Meat Milk
Foods rich in Vitamin A
Liver Greens* Squash
Egg Yolks Apricots Whole, Fortified Skim
Broccoli* Cantaloupe or Low Fat Milk
Peaches Sweet Potatoes Carrots
Tomatoes
Foods Rich in Iron
Liver Peanuts Egg
Beef Dried Peaches Oysters
Pork Sardines Enriched Bread / Cereals
Beans Tuna Green Peas
Blackstrap Molasses Prune Juice Clams
Winter Squash
*Foods high in Vitamin K which should be limited if you are taking Coumadin.
Please contact your physician, dietician, or nurse with any questions or concerns.