Maturity Journal - May 2021 Issue

Page 16 May 2021
Maturity Journal
Medical Matters
My Sore, How Dangerous Is It?
by Dr. Darin Serletic, Indiana Foot & Ankle
Sores on the feet and legs are
very common and may be caused by
injury, circulation issues, pressure,
friction, cancers, and complications
of diabetes. Most heal in 3-4 weeks
by keeping it clean and covered, but
what if they don’t?
Sores that don’t heal on their
own in 3-4 weeks are called chronic
ulcerations. These sores cannot be
ignored because they carry a high risk
of infection and amputation. In the
United States there are 300 to 500
amputations performed every day,
and 85% of those amputations are
proceeded by a foot sore. You must
not ignore foot and leg sores that
don’t heal in 3-4 weeks.
Now here is some good news.
There are doctors and clinics that
specialize in healing these sores,
and the success rates are lifesaving!
Much has been discovered in the
past decades about why sores do not
heal, and there are now advanced
treatments aimed at healing these
sores. Wound care specialists continually
study the medical literature
and attend meetings where evidence
based techniques are taught.
A doctor who is a wound care
specialist will assess your blood flow,
sensation, mechanics of walking and
general health status in addition to
treating your sore. Once your body
is optimized to heal, then specialized
dressings and Medicare-accepted
wound treatments will be used to
close the sore as rapidly as possible.
Initially, the sore has to get
cleaned up and cleared of infection.
Measurements are taken and the
rate of healing is calculated to see if
growth factors and skin substitutes
are needed. If skin substitutes are
indicated, you need not worry about
surgery and hospitalization to have
that done. It is placed like a dressing
in the office and you leave it alone
until the next visit with the doctor.
These therapies are proven to
accelerate wound closure and save
money by healing the wound faster
while preventing the complications
of these sores like infection, amputation
and hospitalization.
Ignoring the sore is not an option.
It will not just go away on its own if
it has not healed already.
If you or a loved one has a sore
that hasn’t healed on its own over
3-4 weeks, seek help from a wound
care specialist now. Referrals are
not necessary. These sores cannot be
ignored or the risk to life and limb is
increased every day care is delayed.
The knowledge and technology is
now readily accessible and is covered
by Medicare insurance. MJ
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