If you have a chronic wound, it can decrease your mobility, ability to stay active, and quality of life. Chronic wounds are a common problem for people with compromised immune systems or people with diabetes. Chronic wounds can also be caused by a failure to heal from a significant injury. Your orthopaedic specialist has the expertise you need to help heal a chronic wound. Virgin Islands Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine doctors provide a full range of orthopaedic services, including chronic wound care. They have two convenient office locations in St. Thomas and St. Croix.

What You Need To Know About Chronic Wounds

Chronic wounds need to be treated because they can become infected, leading to:

• Chronic, debilitating pain
• Loss of function and mobility
• Spread of infection to other areas

There are some steps you can take to help with wound healing. It’s important to:

• Gently remove the dead skin around the wound
• Apply topical medication to the wound
• Bandage the wound with sterilized gauze
• Rest and take the weight off the injured area
• Take over-the-counter pain and anti-inflammatory medication

If home therapies aren’t effective, it’s time to seek out the expertise of an orthopaedic specialist. Your specialist may recommend:

• Prescription oral or topical antibiotics to eliminate infection
• Prescription topical medications to reduce wound pain
• Applying a dressing to protect the wound
• Assistive devices including crutches or a walking cast to help you stay mobile

In severe cases, a chronic wound may need surgery to repair damaged tissue and close the wound so it can heal. Your orthopaedic specialist can discuss surgical options with you.

Want To Know More About Chronic Wounds?

Call the Virgin Islands Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine doctors to learn more about the causes, treatment options, and healing strategies for chronic wounds. You can reach them at the St. Thomas location by calling (340) 714-2845 or in St. Croix by calling (340) 692-5000. Call today.