Chronic, nonhealing leg wounds are common, especially in the Portland, Oregon, metro area. Many patients seek care from a Portland Oregon leg wound clinic for effective treatment. however, they can be hard to find and access care. You can now find Portland Oregon Leg Wound Care Centers at Inovia vein in our friendly and accessible office setting. We specialize in vein care and have extensive experience diagnosing the causes of leg wounds that do not heal. When these wounds are venous, we provide wound care and specific treatments to promote faster healing and longer lasting results.
When we diagnose that they are not venous, we help refer you to an appropriate provider for conditions like diabetic foot ulcers and critical limb ischemia. However, a large percentage are venous and we can help diagnose and treat in our office setting. That way you can avoid trips to the ER or hospital which can be inconvenient, expensive, and hard to access.
What is a Chronic Non Healing Wound
Leg wounds can be classified as either acute or chronic. An acute leg wound results from sudden injuries, such as cuts or scrapes or other injuries These wounds typically heal within a few weeks through normal healing stages. In contrast, chronic nonhealing leg wounds persist for over 30 days without significant improvement. A nonhealing leg wound shows no major progress toward healing after 30 days. Chronic wounds often remain stuck in the inflammatory phase, leading to complications like infection and increased pain. Understanding these differences is crucial for effective treatment.
Types of Chronic Leg Wounds:
Venous Leg Ulcers:
Caused by poor venous return from the legs and often associated with varicose veins. They are the most common type of leg wound.
Diabetic Foot Ulcers:
Result from complications related to diabetes.
Arterial Ulcers:
Occur due to necrosis or critical limb ischemia. This can result in necrosis on the bottom of the foot or toes.
Rare Causes:
Less common causes may require a biopsy when a wound does not heal despite appropriate treatment efforts.
Recognizing these types allows for targeted treatment strategies at our Oregon Leg Wound Clinic at Inovia Vein.
Portland Oregon Leg Wound Care Centers at Inovia Vein
We can help diagnose the type of leg wound when the diagnosis is unclear. However, we specialize in venous leg ulcers (VLUs), which are a significant concern nationwide. VLUs occur due to chronic venous insufficiency, where veins struggle to send blood back to the heart. They affect about 1% of the population, particularly older adults with a history of varicose veins or leg swelling.
Differentiating VLUs from Other Types:
- VLUs typically develop on the lower leg and are associated with swelling and skin changes.
- Diabetic Foot Ulcers usually occur on the foot and relate to neuropathy and poor circulation.
- Arterial Ulcers arise from blocked arteries supplying blood to the legs.
We can diagnose these conditions through vascular imaging. Sometimes patients have mixed etiologies, meaning multiple causes contribute to their wounds.
Portland Oregon Leg Wound Care Centers: Vascular Imaging
Vascular imaging plays a vital role in diagnosing and managing leg wounds. Dedicated venous reflux studies assess blood flow in the legs, which we perform inoffice. Additionally, AnkleBrachial Index (ABI) tests evaluate arterial circulation. Pelvic venous ultrasound screens for deep venous obstruction. As recommended by national treatment guidelines, these imaging techniques are essential for nearly all cases and are available at our Oregon Leg Wound Clinics.
Portland Oregon Leg Wound Care Centers: Venous Ablation
Venous ablation serves as a key treatment for VLUs. This minimally invasive procedure targets problematic veins, improving blood flow and promoting healing. Current guidelines support endovenous ablation based on strong evidence and expert consensus.
Early intervention with venous ablation leads to faster healing rates and reduced recurrence of VLUs. Therefore, timely referrals to specialists at the Oregon Leg Wound Clinic are crucial for optimal outcomes.
Portland Oregon Leg Wound Care Centers: Advanced Wound Care
Advanced wound care is essential for managing leg wounds effectively. This includes:
- Dressing Changes: Creating an optimal healing environment with appropriate dressings.
- Swelling Management: Using compression therapy to reduce edema, especially critical in VLUs.
- Debridement and Biopsy: Removing dead tissue to promote healing.
Combining venous ablation with advanced wound care helps many venous ulcers heal more rapidly and stay healed longer.
Portland Oregon Leg Wound Care Centers: Artificial Skin Substitutes
For stubborn wounds that do not heal, artificial skin substitutes offer hope. These advanced therapies include Cellular and/or TissueBased Products (CTPs), which effectively promote healing for stubborn VLUs. We prepare the wound with debridement and dressing changes before applying this covering along with an Unna’s boot for protection. The cells help your own cells spread out and close the wound through a complex biological process facilitated by the grafts.
Patients using CTPs experience higher rates of complete wound healing compared to standard care alone. At the Oregon Leg Wound Clinic, we tailor treatments based on individual wound characteristics to maximize healing potential. We also assist you in working with your insurance carrier to determine coverage options while minimizing outofpocket costs.
If you have a leg wound that requires attention, reach out today for an appointment at Inovia Vein Specialty Clinics. Let’s work together to maximize your healing potential and improve your quality of life.