circulatory issues Archives

Flushing Hospital’s Wound Care Center Offers Tips To Avoid Food Ulcers

Posted on October 16, 2020 by Michael Hinck

A foot ulcer is a break in the skin or a deep sore, which can become infected.

Some of the most common causes of foot ulcers include:

Circulatory problems – Your circulatory system carries oxygen-rich blood and nutrients to your entire body. These nutrients maintain healthy tissue. When someone experiences circulatory issues, the feet are typically one of the first places where problems can occur.
Nerve damage – When nerves are intact, they send signals to the brain when an object is causing pain. If someone has damaged nerves, they do not receive these signals and they are unable to identify when something is causing harm to the tissue. Failure to address the issue can result in irritation and potentially an ulcer.
Prolonged pressure on the feet – Ulcers can occur even in people without nerve damage when they wear shoes that fit poorly This is usually due to severe atherosclerosis, or a deformity such as a fracture. In addition, Elderly patients may have difficulty examining their feet, ignoring pain from pressure on the feet, which may lead to an ulcer.
Various health conditions – Ulcers are an indication that a severe stage of a condition such as peripheral artery disease, kidney failure, diabetes, hypertension, or high cholesterol is present. A physician can offer strategies such as medication management, healthy diet, exercise, and proper weight management to help manage these conditions.
Lifestyle issues – Smoking is a leading contributor to ulcers as it increases the risk of developing a variety of conditions that can lead to the development of them. In addition, leading a sedentary lifestyle can increase your chances of developing foot ulcers. Avoiding prolonged periods of bed rest or non-mobility can decrease the likelihood of developing ulcers.

If left untreated for too long, a foot ulcer can cause serious consequences including potential amputation.

The three most important ways to avoid this is from happening is educating yourself about foot ulcers, wearing the appropriate shoes, and maintaining your regularly-scheduled appointments with your doctor

Flushing Hospital’s Wound Care Center wants to help our community put a stop to foot ulcers through proper care and early detection, which can greatly reduce the risk of amputation and improve overall quality of life.

If you have a foot ulcer and need help treating it, please call Flushing Hospital’s Wound Care at 718-670-4542 to schedule an appointment.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

When To See A Doctor For Wound Care

Posted on July 15, 2020 by Joann Ariola

Each year, approximately 6 million people will suffer from problem wounds caused by diabetes, circulatory problems, as well as other conditions.

The Wound Care Center at Flushing Hospital Medical Center is a dedicated state-of-the-art, out -patient, clinical wound care service specializing in advancing wound care.

By using a variety of clinically coordinated treatments such as, debridement, medicines, dressings and support services to treat problem wounds, patients are experiencing high rates of wound healing. Studies have shown that wound care treatment reduces the rate of amputations and lengths of stays in hospitals

Timely treatment is extremely important when seeking wound care as a possible remedy. Any patient with a wound that has not started to heal in two weeks, or is not completely healed in six weeks may be a candidate for the Wound Care Center.

Wounds that may indicate a need for wound therapy are:

Pressure ulcers
Diabetic ulcers
Neuropathic ulcers
Ischemic ulcers
Venous insufficiency
Traumatic wounds
Surgical wounds
Vasculitis
Burns
Peristomal skin irritations

The Wound Care team at Flushing Hospital is a group of physicians, nurses, managers, educators and staff that are specialty-trained in wound management. If you have a wound that is taking a long time to heal and would like to make an appointment, please call 718-670-4542.

Learn the Facts About Cellulitis

Posted on December 28, 2018 by Michael Hinck

Cellulitis is a common, but potentially serious infection of the skin and the soft tissues underneath that occurs when bacteria enters the body through a crack or break in the skin. Cellulitis can also develop as a result of an infection typically after surgery or having untreated injuries such as a puncture would, cut, scrape or burn can also lead to the development of cellulitis.

Cellulitis most frequently occurs on the legs, but it can present on other parts of the body, including the arms or face. Cellulitis usually develops on one side of the body.

The skin of those with cellulitis is often skin swollen and red and is typically painful and warm to the touch. Other symptoms of cellulitis can include:

Red spots
Red streaking
Blisters
Skin dimpling
Fever
Infected area tends to expand
Leaking of yellow, clear fluid or pus

There are several factors that place someone at an increased risk of developing cellulitis, such as diabetes, obesity, liver disease, circulatory issues, or having a weakened immune system. Certain skin conditions including eczema, psoriasis, athlete’s foot or shingles can provide an entry point for bacteria to enter the body.

If left untreated, an infection can spread to a person’s lymph nodes and bloodstream and rapidly become life-threatening. It is important to see your doctor immediately or seek emergency care if you experience any signs of cellulitis to prevent the condition spreading throughout your body.

Your doctor can recommend a care plan that may include pain relievers to treat the symptoms and possibly either oral or intramuscular antibiotics, depending on the severity of the condition, to treat the infection. In rare cases, surgery may be required. Other tips to treat cellulitis include resting and elevating the infected area.

The best advice to prevent cellulitis includes taking proper safety precautions, including:

Washing your wound daily with soap and water
Applying a protective cream or ointment to surface wounds
Covering your wound with a bandage.
Moisturizing your skin regularly
Watching for signs of infection

If you believe you have cellulitis, make an appointment with your doctor immediately. If you do not have a doctor, you can make an appointment with a qualified physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center by calling 718-670-5486.