Wounds Specialist

What are wounds?

Wounds are cuts or breaks in your skin that fail to heal with conservative treatments, like bandages, over-the-counter ointments, or hydrogen peroxide. 

Almost everyone experiences a wound at one point or another, but if yours doesn’t heal or it continues to grow, it’s important to make an appointment at Heart Care Centers of Florida. 

What are some common causes of wounds?

Heart Care Centers of Florida regularly treats wounds caused by:

• Poor circulation
• Diabetes
• Venous insufficiency
• Kidney failure
• High blood pressure
• Inflammatory diseases
• Swelling 
• High cholesterol
• Heart disease
• Tobacco use

You might also experience a wound due to an underlying infection.

What are the types of wounds?

Heart Care Centers of Florida diagnoses and treats several types of wounds, including:

Venous stasis wounds

Venous stasis wounds tend to form on the calves or ankles. They’re irregularly shaped, red, and ooze fluid. These types of wounds are especially common in people with blood clots and varicose veins.

Diabetic wounds

Diabetic wounds occur due to untreated diabetes. They can form anywhere on the body but are especially common on the heels and balls of the feet. Some diabetic wounds are red and pink; others are brown or black.

Ischemic wounds

Ischemic wounds occur due to poor circulation. They form on the heels or between the toes and are yellow, brown, or grey. Anyone can experience an ischemic wound, but they’re particularly common in people with underlying medical conditions, like diabetes or peripheral artery disease.

How are wounds diagnosed?

To diagnose wounds, your Heart Care Centers of Florida provider reviews your health history and physically examines your legs and feet. They might also order diagnostic imaging tests or lab work to determine the best course of treatment.

How are wounds treated?

At Heart Care Centers of Florida, treatment of wounds varies depending on several factors, including their size, location, and risk of infection. Following an in-office exam, your provider might recommend:

• Prescription antibiotics
• Antiplatelet or anti-clotting medications
• Topical wound care therapies
• Compression garments
• Custom orthotics
• Debriding agents
• Composite dressings
• Synthetic skin substitutes
• Alginate dressings

Ultimately, the goal of wound care is to encourage your body’s healing process and reduce the risk of infection. 

To explore the various treatment options for wounds, make an appointment at Heart Care Centers of Florida by calling the nearest office today or clicking the online booking feature.