St. Rita's Wound Care Services is a service offered to patients who are experiencing
difficulty healing a wound. Physicians specifically trained in wound care management
and specially trained registered nurses work with patients to help heal their
wounds as quickly as possible. Proper wound care management involves diagnosing
the cause, providing proper treatment, addressing other health problems that
affect healing and offering education to prevent the problem from reoccurring.
Many patients suffer from chronic wounds caused by a variety of disease. Wounds
can occur on any part of the body, but are most commonly seen on the legs and
feet. Improper treatment of the wound, pour diet, pressure and infection can
often further delay the healing process.
The patient's wounds will be carefully evaluated by qualified staff that will
identify the most appropriate method of treatment. St. Rita's Wound Care Services
has the most advance wound care products available and the staff is continually
updated on the use of these specialized products. Our qualified staff also
works directly with the patient to provide instruction on caring for the wound
and the patient's overall health.
Treatment methods include:
Compression Therapy This form of therapy consists of multi-layered wraps to control swelling and
allow leg wounds to close. In most cases, patients come to the clinic weekly
to have their wraps changed.
Debridement
Debridement is the removal of dead tissue from the wound. Removing this tissue
assists the healing process by stimulating growth factors, reducing pressure
and aiding in infection control.
Pressure Relief
Wounds are often the result of uncontrolled pressure. The use of various types
of pressure-relieving devices assists blood flow, reduces trauma and accelerates
wound healing.
Proper Shoe Wear
Diabetic feet are especially at risk for hard-to-heal wounds due to circulation
problems and sensation changes. Regular treatment in Wound Care Services allows
callouses to be trimmed away and ensures the patient is fit with proper shoe
wear to manage future foot problems.
Infection Control
Occasionally infections involve the bone and require more aggressive management.
Wound Care Services offers a physician specialized in the treatment of wound
infections to assist in the care of these complicated problems.
Foot and Ankle Surgeons
Surgery consultation is also available as an option for those with recurring
problems caused by complications of the bone structures of the foot and ankle.
Most chronic wounds take several weeks of treatment for complete healing.
If an infection is present, healing is delayed even further. Appropriate disease
management, treatment of the wound and patient education can assist in healing
the wound and possibly preventing future problems.
Various conditions can indicate the need for patients to seek additional treatment
for a chronic, non-healing wound. If a patient is experiencing any of the following
symptoms, they should consult with their physician for a referral to Wound
Care services:
- Open Areas of the Skin that Have Not Shown Any Healing Improvement in Two
Weeks
- Wounds that have been Present for Four Weeks or Longer
- Wounds that are Infected Including Symptoms of Increased Pain, Redness,
Drainage, Fever and/or Swelling at or Around the Wound Site
- Wounds the Heal but Reopen Again
- Diabetic Feet with Cracks or Sores, Especially with a Callous Present or
No Feeling in the Foot
With St. Rita's Wound Care Services, the following types of wounds are treated:
- Venous Stasis Leg Ulcers Caused by Venous Disease (Blood pools in the
legs causing swelling and making it difficult for the leg ulcers to heal)
- Diabetic Foot Ulcers with or without Good Circulation or Feeling (Neuropathy)
- Wounds that have Infection Extending into the Bone (Osteomylitis)
- Arterial and Pressure Ulcers
- Non-Healing Surgical Wounds or Burns
Treatment in Wound Care Services is not limited to only these types of wounds – if
you feel you could benefit from additional treatment options, talk to your
physician.
Physical Therapy
St. Rita's offers therapy services to assist wound healing such as whirlpool
therapy, pulse lavage, and E-stim. Pulse lavage uses high pressure water applied
directly to the wound to stimulate healing. E-stim is a treatment which sends
electrical pulses into the wound to encourage healing.
Nutrition
Every patient receives a nutritional screening during their first visit. Further
nutritional counseling is available as needed by the patient. Dieticians also
provide one to one teaching for patients about proper diet and nutrition to
improve the body's ability to heal.
A physician referral is required for treatment through St. Rita's Wound Care
Services. A physician in Wound Care Services evaluates each patient when they
are referred and prescribes a course of treatment. The course of treatment
and progress notes are sent to the referring physician after each visit. To
make a referral, please contact the St. Rita's Wound Care at (419) 226-9037.
All insurance plans are accepted.
