Wounds Healed at MRHC

foot care

“After a car accident left me with extensive injuries, the Wound Care team at Manning Regional Health Care Center has my sincere thanks for all they have done to heal my wounds,” shares Christina Brown, a resident of Manilla.

When Christina was referred to receive wound care treatment at Manning Regional, she had four large wounds on her leg. foot care

“Christina’s wounds were typical of what we see and treat here at MRHC,” said Kendra Tiefenthaler, RN, MRHC Wound Care Clinic Coordinator. “Christina’s wounds were very large and deep in size requiring advanced treatment options to manage and heal the wounds.”

As with many wound care patients that Dr. Luong treats, he begin with an evaluation to assess the cause of the wound, look for any signs of infection, and determine the best treatment option for wound healing. Initially, Christina received wound care weekly and as the wound began responding to treatment, she transitioned to appointments every two weeks.

“Although my wounds were quite extensive and took what seemed like a very long time to heal, the staff controlled the pain and made me comfortable,” said Christina.

At each visit, Christina was seen by a nurse and doctor to monitor healing and assess for any signs of infection or other possible concerns.

“Depending upon the severity of the wound, it is important that the wound is cleaned regularly, and bandages are applied to help the wound heal more rapidly than if they weren’t treated,” said Tiefenthaler.

Although this was the first time Christina had received treatment for a wound, she shared how positive her experience was.

“Wound care is not something I would choose to do, but the wound care team made me as relaxed and comfortable as possible,” Christina said. “Everything was thoroughly explained, and all necessary steps were taken to ensure the proper healing. The care I received was excellent.”

As far as the impact COVID-19 has had on her treatment, Christina said there have not been any problems.

“All precautions to ensure safe and healthy treatment were taken and I felt comfortable going to MRHC,” she shared.

“I would definitely recommend Manning Regional’s wound care services to others. They are a very caring and competent group of individuals,” adds Christina. “I will miss my visits with them. They are a great group, and I have enjoyed getting to know them.”

Although Christina’s wounds were the result of a car accident, there are many other types of hard-to-heal wounds that the Wound Care Clinic treats. These wounds may be a result from pressure, trauma or infection. MRHC has many types of advanced treatment options available for wound care based on the type and severity of the wound.

Sometime, even the simplest of wounds can turn into a significant problem because the body’s normal healing process is affected. A wound that is not healing properly may be complicated by underlying conditions such as diabetes, circulation problems or previous radiation treatment. Non-healing wounds can have serious health consequences and may adversely affect a patient’s quality of life.

“It is important that patients reach out as soon as they realize they have a wound that is not healing properly,” stated Tiefenthaler. “If we can catch the wound early enough, oftentimes we can get a jump start on the healing process, decreasing the number of visits necessary for full healing.”

If you or a loved one has a wound that is of concern or is not healing properly, call the Wound Care Center at MRHC for an evaluation at (712) 655-8100.

 

Diabetic Finds Comfort from MRHC Wound Care Clinic

wound care team

“I woke up one morning and noticed that the bottom of my foot was sore. It was tender to the touch and the pain was excruciating to walk. I knew right away that I needed to get into the doctor and have it evaluated,” said Ralph Dobler of Manning.

Although Ralph had experienced the effects of diabetes for several years prior, he was following a proper diabetic diet, he was watching his health and ensuring he was keeping active. Unfortunately, Ralph had learned the hard way a few years prior that if he doesn’t take care of his wounds, it could lead to amputation.

“I knew that if we could get on top of the wound right away that we would have the potential to save my foot.  At 74 years old, Ralph has been dealing with the side effects of diabetes for many years.

More than 29.1 million Americans have diabetes and sixty to seventy percent of people with diabetes have limited or no feeling in their feet. “It’s much easier to treat a minor foot problem before it becomes serious,” said Kendra Tiefenthaler, RN, Clinical Coordinator for the MRHC Wound Care Center. Kendra Tiefenthaler

The wound care team believes that Ralph’s immediate attention to the issue and willingness to commit to weekly treatments until the wounds were healed is what ultimately prevented him having an amputation.

Approximately 25-30% of patients with diabetes develop a foot sore or ulcer. Though foot ulcers can be anywhere on the foot, most occur on the ball of the foot or on the bottom of the big toe.

There are several reasons why diabetic patients have foot problems, but the most common reason is that they suffer from nerve damage called neuropathy, which causes loss of sensation in the feet.  These patients also suffer from poor circulation, which can make your foot less able to fight infection and heal.

Signs of a Possible Foot Ulcer:
  • Lack of sensation (feeling) in your feet
  • Feeling of “pins and needles” in your feet
  • Feet hurt while walking or resting
  • Sores don’t heal
  • Skin on your feet becomes thick, dry or scaly,
  • Calluses develop easily on the soles of your feet

“At MRHC, we have the ability to treat any open wounds caused from vascular complications, post-surgical procedures, diabetes and more,” said Tiefenthaler.  “Oftentimes patients will see the most benefit from weekly treatments where the provider addresses any concerns, evaluates wound progress, and cleans/redresses the wound to ensure timely healing.”

How to care for your feet and prevent diabetic ulcers:
  • Check your feet daily. Look for blisters, cuts and scratches. Use a long-handled mirror or place a mirror on the floor to see the bottom of your feet. Always check between your toes.
  • Keep your feet clean. Wash daily, dry carefully – especially between the toes.
  • Moisturize your feet. Apply a moisturizer as recommended by your physician, but never apply between toes as that can lead to a fungal infection.
  • Do not walk barefoot. That includes on sandy beaches and pool/patio areas.
  • Wear properly fitted shoes. Shoes should be comfortable when purchased. Do not wear narrow, pointed toe or high-heeled shoes.
  • Inspect the inside of your shoes daily. Check for foreign objects, tears or rough areas on the inside of the shoe.
  • Do not wear shoes without socks or stockings. Wear clean, properly fitted socks. Cotton or cotton-blend socks are recommended.
  • Avoid temperature extremes. Test water temperature with your hand or elbow prior to bathing. Do not soak your feet in hot water or apply a hot water bottle. If your feet feel cold at night; wear socks.
  • Trim your toenails regularly. Always cut your nails straight across.
  • Do not use over-the-counter remedies for corns. See a podiatrist to have these evaluated.
  • Avoid crossing your legs. This causes pressure on the nerves and blood vessels, resulting in less blood flow to your feet.

As we wrap up American Diabetes Month, MRHC wants to remind people with diabetes that they are at a higher risk for non-healing foot wounds – and therefore amputations – than most Americans. One in four patients with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer in their lifetime. The wound healing center at MRHC can provide guidance for prevention and treatment of these wounds.

If you are experiencing pain or complications from an open wound, contact the MRHC Wound Care Clinic at (712) 655-8100 to request a wound care consultation or treatment. Physician referrals are not required.