Vascular calcification was initially considered a byproduct of aging. However, we are now learning it is a highly regulated cell-mediated pathway. In 2015, O'Neil et al. published the first histopathological study on MAC and amputated limbs from patients with critical limb ischemia. Their findings noted that nearly all the vessels in the lower extremity arteries showed intimal thickening and luminal narrowing. Yet, there were low or no lipids present in the narrow areas. Around 72% of the arteries had MAC, and only 43% had intimal calcification. In the areas with intimal calcification, it was ..read more

Ankle-brachial index test (a vascular test to compare blood pressure in the ankle with the blood pressure in the arm, thereby detecting PAD) Join the AAWC in helping bring awareness for cardiovascular health and overall quality of life when you SHOW YOUR TOES! Doppler ultrasound to locate those areas with reduced blood flow (blockages) in leg arteries Symptoms may include cramping, pain or weakness in the legs while walking, climbing stairs or other types of exercise that require more blood flow through the limbs. These symptoms stop when the extra demand from exercise stops or the body is at ..read more

Methamphetamine is a significant health concern to our society as it alters people's behavior, putting users at an increased risk of acquiring cutaneous wounds that can become chronic and infected. In the future, the new data will be used to establish realistic treatment options for preventing and managing chronic wounds in drug users. However, it is critical to treat substance abuse, mental illness, and chronic conditions simultaneously. and a meth user's immune response and wound healing capacity. However, animal studies indicate that meth lowers both innate and adaptive immunity and affects ..read more

CDR (Ret) David Crumbley was the Coordinator for the Complex Wound and Limb Salvage program at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center from 2008-2011.  He is currently Professor of Practice at Auburn University School of Nursing and continues to practice wound care at Baptist South Medical Center, Montgomery, Alabama. ) from the soil imbedded deep in the tissues of their wounds. The next challenge was to implement a therapy that would support NPWT and provide topical antibacterial and antifungal coverage.  Our topical wound therapy included NPWT with the instillation of antimicr ..read more

Any of you reading this blog have a story to tell (either a patient case, a clinical dilemma and solution, a pilot study, or organized research) that will help all of us become better clinicians for patients with wounds.  I hope this is helpful, but know that it only scratches the surface of what Dr. Schneir would tell you ..read more

National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (NPIAP) (2017). National Pressure Ulcer Position Statement on Staging-2017 Clarifications. Retrieved March 16, 2021 from  prevention forward. Proceedings of the Global IAD Expert Panel. Wounds International.  ), the skin is intact or there may be an intact blister that appears maroon or purple due to the deep tissue bleeding that has occurred due to the capillary disruption in the deep tissue. These wounds may evolve into a full thickness wound and become a Stage 3 or Stage 4 pressure injury ..read more

Unhealthful eating habits affect the whole family. Medications are no substitute for dietary interventions. Currently, only 5% of the United States population meets the daily target of 25 grams of fiber for women and 38 grams of fiber for men. The benefits of prescribing a high fiber diet are correlated with a reduction in comorbidities for patients with wounds. However, how does a high fiber diet help wound care patients? Well, gut bacteria of vegans produce neuroactive molecules like gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) which in turnreduces the stress response in humans, along with decreasing cort ..read more

It had been a long nine innings but JH and his medical team had scored enough runs and this was a game they could all put in the win column. View: Caring for Cuts, Scrapes, and Wounds ..read more

Above all, remember that, before you heal someone, ask if they are willing to make a change and support them because patients need providers who will be an advocate to help them regain their health.  ..read more

Get to the bottom of the issue . When patients have buy-in to the process, they will be more likely to follow through. Let them know that are just as important to the wound healing process as you are. Let them know that you are a team and you are open to suggestions and are willing to make changes to better suit their needs. Encourage your patients and let them know that they are doing a great job at home. Get their family members involved so they have an accountability partner. Be open with your patient; let them know they are important to you and you want them to get better. Be humble, ask t ..read more