For patients living with a chronic wound, everyday activities can be a battle. Without proper treatment, patients may suffer for years without any improvement. Or even worse, may face amputation.

“We understand the challenges of healing chronic and non-chronic wounds,” said Amanda Lausch, JRMC Wound Clinic family nurse practitioner. Lausch has 20 years of experience in specialty wound care. “That’s why we use evidence-based clinical pathways to treat our patients. And so far, it’s working. Our average time to heal a chronic wound is 21 days.”

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Though healing a chronic wound is complicated, patients can take a few steps to improve their rate of success.

4 ways to heal

  1. Quit smoking
    Smoking increases inflammation which in turn increases pain. Smoking also weakens the immune system, decreasing the body’s ability to fight infection and heal the bone. Each cigarette deprives the body and wound of oxygen for at least two hours after smoking. During this time, wound healing cannot occur.
  2. Manage diabetes
    Wounds healing is contingent upon proper glycemic control. Wounds will not heal if blood sugar is out of control. Wound healing ceases anytime blood sugar is over 250mg/dl.
  3. You are what you eat
    Bodies need protein, zinc, vitamins and minerals. Fill your body with the good stuff so your body makes the good stuff. Wound healing requires a higher intake of protein (but will be guided by the provider based on kidney functioning), zinc, vitamins and minerals.
  4. Take care of yourself
    Life gets busy (work, children, spouse, friends, etc.). However, before we care for others, we must care for ourselves. Practice patience with yourself so you can heal and return to a high quality of life.

For more information regarding wound care, call the JRMC Wound Center direct: (701) 952-4878.

 

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