The incidence of chronic wounds is rising due to the aging population and increasing rates of disease, according to Rome Health Wound Care Specialist Jennifer Fields, MS, FNP, CWS.

In recognition of Wound Care Awareness Week, June 6 to 10, the Rome Health Wound Care Center is helping to raise awareness of the risks of chronic wounds and advanced treatments available to heal them, said Program Director Miranda Majewicz. 

The Wound Care Center offers highly specialized wound care to patients suffering from diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, infections and other chronic wounds which have not healed in a reasonable amount of time. 

Nearly 7 million Americans are currently living with chronic wounds. Various conditions like diabetes, peripheral artery disease (PAD), cardiovascular disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) increase the likelihood of a person having or developing a chronic wound, according to Healogics, the nation’s leading network of advanced wound care providers.

A breakdown of wound types, by prevalence, for those living with chronic wounds include:

• Pressure Ulcers (43%)
• Diabetic Foot Ulcers (31%)
• Venous Stasis Ulcers (12%)
• Surgical Wounds or Trauma (8%)
• Arterial Ulcers (6%)

If left untreated, chronic wounds can lead to diminished quality of life and possibly amputation of the affected limb, said Fields, who is board certified as a diplomate by the American Board of Wound Management.

“The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have only made matters worse, as many suffering from chronic wounds have not sought needed care during the past two years,” Fields said.

The result has been a steep rise in amputations, according to a study from the American Diabetes Association.

With this in mind, now is the time for those suffering from chronic wounds to seek advanced wound care available at the Rome Health Wound Care Center, which has been named a Center of Distinction by Healogics, for achieving outstanding clinical outcomes for 12 consecutive months.

To learn more about treatment options available at the Rome Health Wound Care Center, please call 315-338-7540. The Center is located at 267 Avery Lane in the Griffiss Professional Complex, Griffiss Business and Technology Park.