Chronic Wounds

Chronic (long-lasting) wounds affect nearly 11 million Medicare recipients in the United States, contributing to complications and high medical costs when not treated. At United Wound Care Centers of Illinois in Aurora, Illinois, experienced nurse practitioners John Konopelski, C-APN, DNP, and Gladys Odoi, APRN, FNP-BC, MSN, along with their team, treat chronic wounds using advanced, highly effective methods. Schedule an in-office or home-based evaluation by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.

What are chronic wounds?

Chronic wounds are long-lasting wounds that don’t heal on their own after 4-12 weeks. They often develop on the lower legs or feet and can become painful. Diabetes, venous insufficiency, and blood flow problems are common causes of chronic wounds. Treatment at United Wound Care Centers of Illinois effectively heals your wounds and helps you avoid worsening problems.

What are the symptoms of chronic wounds?

Symptoms of chronic wounds include:

• Wounds that don’t heal after four weeks
• Itchy wounds
• Wounds that drain fluid
• Sores with an unpleasant odor
• Wounds with surrounding skin that is brown or red
• Pain
• Difficulty sleeping
• Infections (pus, redness, warmth, a fever, etc.)

People with nerve damage and numbness in their feet might not be able to feel a nonhealing wound, which can lead to worsening medical concerns. 

An untreated infection can cause tissue death (gangrene) and spread, sometimes leading to blood poisoning. Seek treatment with the United Wound Care Centers of Illinois team at the first sign of a nonhealing wound.

What are the risk factors for chronic wounds?

Chronic wound risk factors include:

• Underlying injury (bump or cut)
• Poor circulation
• Diabetes
• Weakened immune system
• Mechanical pressure
• Venous insufficiency
• Deep, severe wounds
• Burns

Properly managing diabetes can lower your risk of developing chronic wounds. Take medication as directed, eat a balanced diet, maintain an ideal weight, and stay active. Examine your feet regularly to detect wounds early. It’s also helpful to avoid smoking. 

Wear compression stockings or bandages if you have venous insufficiency, and undergo treatment for blood flow problems.

How are chronic wounds diagnosed?

Your United Wound Care Centers of Illinois provider examines the wound. They discuss your medical history, symptoms, and underlying cause of a chronic wound to determine how to best treat it. You might need a biopsy or an imaging procedure.

How are chronic wounds treated?

United Wound Care Centers of Illinois offers the following chronic wound care treatments:

• Wound cleaning
• Off-loading (taking pressure off the wound so that it has a better chance of healing)
• Drainage
• Debridement (removing dead and infected tissue)
• Dressings
• Bandaging 
• Growth factor therapy
• Stem cell therapy
• Negative pressure wound therapy
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
• Skin grafting
• Oral medication
• Topical medicine
• Compression stockings or bandages
• Ultrasound therapy
• Electromagnetic therapy
• Surgery
• Diabetic foot care
• Complex wound care

Your wound care specialist tailors a treatment that achieves fast healing and effective, long-lasting outcomes.

Schedule an in-office or home-based evaluation at United Wound Care Centers of Illinois by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.