Upper and Lower Extremity Wounds

Upper and Lower Extremity Wound Care

Wounds to the upper and lower extremities are common injuries that can occur due to accidents, sports-related incidents, or everyday mishaps. If you develop complications from your wound, the wound is due to a more serious underlying health issue, or if you are not able to care for your wound yourself, our team of experienced, compassionate wound care specialists at BH Wound Care can help. We offer comprehensive, state-of-the-art upper and lower extremity wound care in Portland, OR; Los Angeles, CA; Vancouver, WA; and Nashville, TN.

What Are Upper and Lower Extremity Wounds?

Upper and lower extremity wounds are injuries, lacerations, or breaks in the skin on the arms or legs. Upper extremity wounds occur on your skin anywhere from your shoulder all the way down to your hands. This includes wounds on your shoulder, upper arm, forearm, wrist, hand, or fingers. Lower extremity wounds occur on your skin anywhere from your legs all the way down to your feet. This includes wounds on your hip, thigh, knee, leg, ankle, foot, or toes.

What Causes Wounds to the Arms and Legs?

Wounds to the arms and legs can be caused by different types of trauma or injury or can be a complication of an underlying health condition like diabetes. The most common causes of arm and leg wounds are:

• Abrasions – Commonly known as scrapes, abrasions occur when the skin rubs against a rough surface, resulting in the removal of the superficial layer of skin.
• Avulsions – Avulsion wounds involve the tearing away of a portion of the skin and underlying tissues, often seen in accidents involving machinery or high-impact trauma.
• Burns – A burn is a tissue injury caused by exposure to heat, chemicals, electricity, radiation, or friction. A burn can damage the skin and soft tissues of the upper or lower extremities, resulting in pain, redness, blistering, and loss of skin or tissue.
• Cuts and Lacerations – These are caused by sharp objects and can range from superficial cuts to deep lacerations, potentially affecting blood vessels, nerves, and tendons.
• Diabetic Foot Wounds – A diabetic foot wound or diabetic foot ulcer is an open sore or wound on the foot that is slow to heal or won’t heal. It is caused by poor circulation and nerve damage as a complication of diabetes and is at high risk of infection.
• Leg Ulcers – A leg ulcer is a chronic, open sore that typically appears on the inside of the leg between the knee and ankle. It causes pain, itching, swelling, discharge, discolored or hardened skin, swollen ankles, and enlarged veins. It can be caused by poor circulation, damaged veins, or a complication of a chronic disease like diabetes.
• Pressure Sores – This injury is an area of damaged skin or damaged soft tissue that occurs when that part of the body has been under prolonged pressure without movement. These sores typically develop on bony areas of the body like the heels, hips, or tailbone and can be a complication of being bed-bound or in a wheelchair.
• Punctures – These wounds are caused by pointed objects piercing the skin, potentially leading to deep tissue damage and infection.
• Surgical Incisions – Surgical incisions on the upper or lower extremities can become infected or not heal properly, leading to complications.

What to Do if You Have a Wound on the Arms, Hands, Legs, or Feet

The first thing you should do if you have a wound on your arms, legs, hands, or feet is to give yourself first aid at home. Initial first aid for extremity wounds should include:

• Washing Your Hands – Before providing any care, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer to avoid introducing bacteria into the wound.
• Controlling Bleeding – Apply direct pressure to the wound using a clean cloth or sterile gauze pad to control bleeding. Elevate the injured extremity, if possible, to reduce blood flow to the area.
• Cleaning the Wound – Rinse the wound gently with clean water to remove dirt and debris. Avoid using hydrogen peroxide, iodine, or alcohol, as they may harm the tissues and delay healing.
• Applying Antibiotic Ointment – After cleaning the wound, apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.
• Covering the Wound – Use a sterile bandage or non-stick dressing to cover the wound and protect it from further contamination.
• Seeking Medical Attention – If the wound is deep, large, or shows signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus), seek immediate medical attention.

Complications From Not Receiving Wound Care Services

While minor wounds can be cared for at home, serious or infected wounds require medical attention to avoid complications. Always consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your wound’s healing progress. The best ways to prevent complications associated with upper and lower extremity wounds are:

• Tetanus Immunization – Ensure your tetanus vaccination is up to date, especially for deep or dirty wounds or wounds caused by cuts, scratches, or abrasions from rusted metal or dirty objects.
• Protect the Wound – If engaging in physical activities or work that could expose the wound to dirt or further injury, use a protective covering, such as a waterproof bandage or dressing.
• Avoid Smoking – Smoking delays wound healing, so it’s best to quit or avoid smoking during the healing process.
• Follow Medical Advice – Adhere to any instructions provided by healthcare professionals regarding wound care, medications, and follow-up appointments.

Our Arm and Leg Wound Management Services

At BH Wound Care, we have a team of highly skilled, certified wound care specialists who have extensive training and experience in evaluating, treating, and managing upper and lower extremity wounds. We will design a personalized treatment plan that relieves pain, addresses infection and other complications, and accelerates healing. We combine state-of-the-art technology and modern wound care innovation to create a comprehensive plan that not only addresses your wound, but any underlying conditions that may have contributed to it. Our arm and leg wound management services include:

• Wound evaluation and diagnosis
• Comprehensive wound care treatment plans
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for wound healing
• Antibiotic administration and wound cleaning
• Education on home wound care
• Peripheral injury wound therapy
• Trauma wound healing services
• Upper and lower extremity revascularization

Schedule a Consultation for Wound Care Services

Don’t delay in seeking care and treatment for wounds to the arms or legs. At BH Wound Care, we provide compassionate care that promotes healing, wellness, and swift recovery. Call us now or reach out to us online to schedule a consultation for upper or lower extremity wound care in Portland, OR; Los Angeles, CA; Vancouver, WA; or Nashville, TN.