At Fort Wayne Wound Care, our goal is to help your wound heal quickly and safely. The way you care for your wound at home is just as important as what we do in the clinic.
Your active participation in wound care at home directly impacts your healing success. Following these guidelines will help speed your recovery and prevent complications.
Essential wound care steps
When to call us immediately
These essential steps should be part of your daily routine to promote healing and prevent complications.
Change them as directed. Don't skip changes, even if the wound "looks fine."
Important: Follow the exact schedule we provide for dressing changes.
Always wash before and after touching your wound or dressing. This prevents infection and contamination.
Use only the dressings, creams, or medications we prescribe. Don't add home remedies.
Avoid: Adding your own ointments, home remedies, or changing prescribed treatments
Call us right away if you notice these warning signs:
Prevention is key to successful healing. These protective measures will help your wound heal faster and avoid setbacks.
No baths, swimming, or hot tubs unless your provider says it's safe.
If the wound is on your foot or leg, avoid standing for long periods. Use offloading boots or special shoes if given.
Raise your legs above heart level when resting to help circulation.
Tip: Use pillows to prop your legs up while lying down or sitting
Avoid bumping or scratching around the wound.
No soaking in water
Use offloading devices
Raise legs when resting
Avoid scratching or picking
What you eat and drink plays a crucial role in how well and how quickly your wound heals. Proper nutrition gives your body the building blocks it needs for tissue repair.
Eat lean meats, fish, beans, or dairy daily to help your body repair tissue.
Drink plenty of water unless you've been told to restrict fluids. Proper hydration helps transport nutrients to your wound.
If you have diabetes, keep glucose levels within your target range. High blood sugar slows healing significantly.
If you smoke, please consider stopping to help your wound heal. Smoking significantly impairs blood flow and slows the healing process.
Builds new tissue and supports immune function
Improves circulation and nutrient delivery
Prevents infection and supports healing process
Don't wait if you notice any of these warning signs. Early intervention can prevent serious complications.
Especially if pain becomes severe or throbbing
Signs that infection may be spreading
Lines spreading from the wound toward your heart
Foul smell or unusual drainage from the wound
Blackening or unusual color changes around the wound
1355 Getz Road, Suite C
Fort Wayne, IN 46804
(Located next to the Meijer Store on Illinois and Getz in the
Direct Care Building)
Remember: When in doubt, call us. It's better to be safe than sorry.
Regular appointments and ongoing communication are essential for successful wound healing. Your commitment to follow-up care directly impacts your recovery.
Wound care is a process, and skipping visits slows healing. Each appointment allows us to monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed.
Important: Even if your wound looks better, professional assessment is still needed
Bring your medication list and blood sugar records (if diabetic) to each visit.
We want you to understand your care plan. Never hesitate to ask about your treatment, healing progress, or anything that concerns you.
Plan to arrive 15 minutes before your appointment
Note any changes in your wound between visits
Report any medication changes or side effects
Contact us if you have urgent concerns
Every wound heals at its own pace. Stay patient, follow instructions, and trust the process. We're with you every step of the way.
1355 Getz Road, Suite C
Fort Wayne, IN 46804
(Located next to the Meijer Store on Illinois and Getz in the
Direct Care Building)