When wounds don't heal properly, they can significantly impact both patients and loved ones, leading to pain, discomfort and a reduced quality of life. Blount Memorial Hospital’s Wound Care Center specializes in advanced wound care diagnostics and treatments, providing hope and healing for those dealing with challenging wounds. A team of certified wound care providers is dedicated to offering personalized care using the latest evidence-based treatments and state-of-the-art technologies.
Non-healing wounds can result from a variety of conditions, including diabetes, poor circulation, or underlying health issues that impede the natural healing process. Each patient who enters the Wound Care Center begins with a comprehensive evaluation to understand the specific nature of each wound and any coexisting conditions that might be affecting the healing process. From this assessment, a tailored care plan to address not just the wound itself but also its root cause is created, ensuring a more effective and lasting recovery.
Treating a wide range of wounds, from diabetic ulcers and pressure sores to traumatic injuries and surgical site complications, requires experience. “Each of these conditions requires specialized care, and all providers are equipped with the expertise and tools necessary to manage even the most complex cases. For example, diabetic ulcers often require careful monitoring and specific treatments to prevent infection and promote healing. Similarly, pressure ulcers, which can develop in patients with limited mobility, need to be managed with precise interventions to avoid further complications,” explained Maria Edge, Blount Memorial Hospital’s Wound Care Center manager.
To treat these and other wounds, specific infectious disease management protocols are followed to help prevent and control infections that can exacerbate wound issues. Some options available at the Wound Care Center include the use of cellular and tissue-based products (CTP) and autologous therapy, which are cutting-edge treatments designed to enhance the body’s natural healing processes. For wounds that require additional support, total contact casting is available, which helps offload pressure from the wound, allowing it to heal more effectively. Compression therapy is another critical tool, particularly for patients with venous ulcers, where improving blood flow is essential to recovery.
Innovative techniques such as Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT), which uses controlled suction to remove fluids and promote tissue growth, has been shown to accelerate healing in many patients with chronic wounds. Additionally, specialists are skilled in sharp debridement, a procedure that involves removing dead or infected tissue to facilitate healing. “We understand that every wound is unique, and so is every patient. That’s why our care plans are individualized to meet the specific needs of each person we treat. Whether you’re dealing with a non-healing surgical site, a burn, or a traumatic injury, our goal is to provide the highest level of care to help you regain your health and well-being,” Edge said.
If you or a loved one is struggling with a non-healing wound, you can make an appointment with the Wound Care Center by calling 865-980-5089. A physician referral is not required, but if needed, referrals can be faxed to 865-980-5090.
