Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has proven highly effective for accelerated wound healing.

If you've been nursing an open wound or sore that shows no sign of healing, it's time to visit the Hyperbaric Medicine Department at McAllen Medical Center.

Therapeutic treatments promote healing and help prevent slow-healing wounds from turning into bone infection and possible limb amputation.

The National Limb Loss Information Department says that one in 200 people in the United States has undergone limb amputation. After the first limb loss, subsequent amputations are likely.

People with chronic vascular conditions or diseases that impair circulation, such as diabetes, are most at risk for slow-healing wounds, infections and other serious complications that can lead to amputations.

Treating the 'whole body'
At the department, a multidisciplinary team of physicians -- including internal medicine and infectious disease specialists, endocrinologists, podiatrists and cardiologists -- works to develop a treatment regimen suited to each patient.

"Most slow-healing wounds are secondary to systemic diseases like diabetes, clogged arteries and poor nutrition. We work with the primary care physicians and other physicians to treat these underlying conditions," says Jeffrey J. Brown, MD, Medical Director for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine at McAllen Medical Center.

People with slow-healing foot wounds due to poor circulation in their legs, for example, may suffer from peripheral artery disease (a narrowing of the arteries in the legs) and need to undergo a less-invasive procedure than surgery to open some arteries.

"Angioplasties and atherectomies can open up arteries, remove plaque of cholesterol and improve blood flow," says Ofsman Quintana, MD, FACC, FSCAI, a cardiologist who performs both procedures.

People with difficulty walking may need to visit podiatrists for special "off-lifting" devices to take pressure off specific areas during wound healing, or to undergo surgeries.

"With initial treatment, many patients begin to regain feeling they may have lost in their feet, and their wounds begin to heal on their own -- even before wound care begins," adds Bryan Prukop, DPM, a podiatrist at South Texas Health System.

Steps to wound care
Wound care is aimed at stimulating the body's restorative properties. Treatment begins with debridement, the removal of necrotic tissue through surgical or nonsurgical methods.

Physicians then apply topical antibiotics to the wound site or deliver intravenous antibiotics, depending on the presence or severity of infection. If there is not enough localized skin tissue to seal the wound, a surgical skin graft also may be placed.

Patients with ischemia (a lack of oxygen or blood flow to a limb) may qualify for hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which delivers pressurized oxygen to the wound and speeds healing.

"Oxygen is delivered to the patient at two to three times atmospheric pressure, stimulating new blood vessel and cell growth," says Eduardo Mariel, MD.

A typical course of hyperbaric oxygen therapy consists of 20 to 30 daily doses of treatment. During therapy, patients rest comfortably in hyperbaric chambers, where they may read, relax or watch TV.

If your wound persists for a week or longer, call the Hyperbaric Medicine Department at McAllen Medical Center at 956-618-4737.

Step safely
Since most slow-healing wounds occur in the lower extremities, it's especially important for people -- especially those with diabetes -- to practice daily foot care, says Bryan Prukop, DPM. Take these steps for better foot health.

• Check your feet daily for blisters, cuts, redness and swelling.
• Wear proper-fitting shoes and socks.
• Never walk barefoot.

"If a cut or sore does appear, wash the area with mild soap and water before applying a topical antibacterial medication, and see your podiatrist," Dr. Prukop says. "Protect the wound with a bandage."

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