Why Is Wound Care So Important?

Proper wound care is crucial to prevent infection and promote healing, especially for people with diabetes. High blood sugar damages tissues and reduces circulation, slowing the healing process. Without enough oxygen and nutrients, wounds in the feet and legs can stay open, become infected, and increase the risk of serious complications, like amputation.

Our goal is to address and prevent these issues, as diabetic foot ulcers are a leading cause of non-traumatic lower limb amputations. With over 50 years of experience, we specialize in advanced wound care and limb salvage, using the latest techniques to save thousands of limbs from amputation.

When Should You See a Podiatrist for a Wound?

It’s important to see a podiatrist as soon as you notice any of the following symptoms:

• Blood or drainage in your socks
• Oozing, bleeding, or pus from a wound
• Open or slow-healing sores
• Redness, swelling, or skin discoloration
• Numbness or burning sensations in your feet

Comprehensive Wound Care for Diabetic & Vascular Ulcers: Prompt treatment can prevent the escalation of chronic wounds and help avoid serious complications including amputation. Our team at O’Connor Hospital Wound Care Center and Community Hospital of Monterey Peninsula Wound Care Center specializes in treating chronic diabetic, venous, and arterial ulcers using advanced, multidisciplinary approaches. We utilize cutting-edge therapies including hyperbaric oxygen therapy to enhance tissue oxygenation and healing, advanced skin grafts and biological substitutes with placental tissue for non-healing wounds, and specialized offloading devices to eliminate pressure on affected areas. Our comprehensive care model includes close collaboration with infectious disease specialists for infection management, primary care physicians for diabetes optimization, and vascular surgeons to address circulation issues that impede healing. This team-based approach ensures every factor affecting your wound is addressed simultaneously, dramatically improving healing rates and reducing amputation risk. We also provide preventive care education and regular foot screenings to help you avoid future foot and leg wounds, keeping you active and independent for years to come.

What Can You Expect During a Wound Care Appointment?

At your appointment, we’ll thoroughly examine your wound and your overall health. We review your medical history and perform a detailed evaluation to determine the best treatment plan.

Your personalized treatment may include:

• Flushing and cleaning the wound to reduce the risk of infection
• Removing any dead or damaged tissue (debridement) to encourage healing
• Applying antimicrobial solutions to keep the wound clean
• Using cutting-edge skin substitutes to stimulate tissue regeneration and heal the wound faster
• Bandaging the wound with sterile dressings
• Providing guidance on how to care for your wound at home

For more serious cases, such as deep wounds or gangrene, limb salvage surgery may be necessary. This involves removing infected or dead tissue and performing a skin graft to aid healing.

Why Choose Us?

Our team of wound care experts is at the forefront of using advanced technology, including skin substitutes, to treat chronic wounds. We are committed to helping our patients recover and maintain mobility, with personalized care plans that focus on both immediate healing and long-term health.

Don’t delay your wound care. Call our office or use our online scheduling tool to book your appointment today.