www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com | 85 When a patient with PAD is wounded, blockage in the arteries prevents the wound from receiving blood supply due to imbalanced inflammation in the body and resulting plaque buildup in the arteries. Additionally, diabetes diminishes a healthy immune system, confusing the signals that tell the body to direct repairing cells to the site of the wound. When people with PAD or diabetes notice a wound, they should go immediately to a wound care center or vascular specialist. “It’s critical to get in immediately, to get that local wound care,” said Dr. Arthurs, adding that people with healthy immune systems should seek medical care if a would does not heal within three to five days. To treat a wound, Dr. Arthurs works to bring blood flow to the site to stimulate new growth and heal the skin. After initial treatment, the wound is constantly re-evaluated. Patients may need to see a physician weekly for an examination and debridement. Home health nurses may be assigned to help maintain care. Coastal Vascular & Vein Center, which partners with wound care centers in Charleston, offers walk-in appointments during the week. Addressing a wound early, when it is small, is the “difference in keeping their limb or not,” said Dr. Arthurs. Every centimeter counts. 1327 Ashley River Rd. Charleston, SC 29407 2575 Elms Center Rd., Ste. 200 Charleston, SC 29406 “ “ When people with PAD or diabetes notice a wound, they should go immediately to a wound care center or vascular specialist.
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