Other Services
Wound Care

St. Rita's Wound Care Services is a service offered to patients who are experiencing difficulty healing a wound. Physicians specifically trained in wound care management and specially trained registered nurses work with patients to help heal their wounds as quickly as possible. Proper wound care management involves diagnosing the cause, providing proper treatment, addressing other health problems that affect healing and offering education to prevent the problem from reoccurring. Many patients suffer from chronic wounds caused by a variety of disease. Wounds can occur on any part of the body, but are most commonly seen on the legs and feet. Improper treatment of the wound, pour diet, pressure and infection can often further delay the healing process.

Treatment of Wounds
The patient's wounds will be carefully evaluated by qualified staff that will identify the most appropriate method of treatment. St. Rita's Wound Care Services has the most advance wound care products available and the staff is continually updated on the use of these specialized products. Our qualified staff also works directly with the patient to provide instruction on caring for the wound and the patient's overall health.

Treatment methods include:

Compression Therapy
This form of therapy consists of multi-layered wraps to control swelling and allow leg wounds to close. In most cases, patients come to the clinic weekly to have their wraps changed.

Debridement
Debridement is the removal of dead tissue from the wound. Removing this tissue assists the healing process by stimulating growth factors, reducing pressure and aiding in infection control.

Pressure Relief
Wounds are often the result of uncontrolled pressure. The use of various types of pressure-relieving devices assists blood flow, reduces trauma and accelerates wound healing.

Proper Shoe Wear
Diabetic feet are especially at risk for hard-to-heal wounds due to circulation problems and sensation changes. Regular treatment in Wound Care Services allows callouses to be trimmed away and ensures the patient is fit with proper shoe wear to manage future foot problems.

Infection Control
Occasionally infections involve the bone and require more aggressive management. Wound Care Services offers a physician specialized in the treatment of wound infections to assist in the care of these complicated problems.

Foot and Ankle Surgeons
Surgery consultation is also available as an option for those with recurring problems caused by complications of the bone structures of the foot and ankle.

Results of Treatment
Most chronic wounds take several weeks of treatment for complete healing. If an infection is present, healing is delayed even further. Appropriate disease management, treatment of the wound and patient education can assist in healing the wound and possibly preventing future problems.

Common Symptoms Needing Treatment
Various conditions can indicate the need for patients to seek additional treatment for a chronic, non-healing wound. If a patient is experiencing any of the following symptoms, they should consult with their physician for a referral to Wound Care services:

  • Open Areas of the Skin that Have Not Shown Any Healing Improvement in Two Weeks
  • Wounds that have been Present for Four Weeks or Longer
  • Wounds that are Infected Including Symptoms of Increased Pain, Redness, Drainage, Fever and/or Swelling at or Around the Wound Site
  • Wounds the Heal but Reopen Again
  • Diabetic Feet with Cracks or Sores, Especially with a Callous Present or No Feeling in the Foot

Types of Wounds Treated
With St. Rita's Wound Care Services, the following types of wounds are treated:

  • Venous Stasis Leg Ulcers Caused by Venous Disease (Blood pools in the legs causing swelling and making it difficult for the leg ulcers to heal)
  • Diabetic Foot Ulcers with or without Good Circulation or Feeling (Neuropathy)
  • Wounds that have Infection Extending into the Bone (Osteomylitis)
  • Arterial and Pressure Ulcers
  • Non-Healing Surgical Wounds or Burns
Treatment in Wound Care Services is not limited to only these types of wounds – if you feel you could benefit from additional treatment options, talk to your physician.

Other Services Available

Physical Therapy
St. Rita's offers therapy services to assist wound healing such as whirlpool therapy, pulse lavage, and E-stim. Pulse lavage uses high pressure water applied directly to the wound to stimulate healing. E-stim is a treatment which sends electrical pulses into the wound to encourage healing.

Nutrition
Every patient receives a nutritional screening during their first visit. Further nutritional counseling is available as needed by the patient. Dieticians also provide one to one teaching for patients about proper diet and nutrition to improve the body's ability to heal.

Accessing Treatment
A physician referral is required for treatment through St. Rita's Wound Care Services. A physician in Wound Care Services evaluates each patient when they are referred and prescribes a course of treatment. The course of treatment and progress notes are sent to the referring physician after each visit. To make a referral, please contact the St. Rita's Wound Care at (419) 226-9037. All insurance plans are accepted.

For More Information
(419) 226-9000
(800) 437-4827
Map & Directions Map & Directions

 

Information:
What's the connection between wound healing and nutrition?
The body heals and regenerates new tissue through numerous body processes. These processes require nutrients, fluid and calories found in food. One important nutrient in healing tissue is protein and more specifically collagen in protein. Collagen helps "knit" tissues back together and helps in the healing process.