Removing foot callous from a diabetic foot site

Shin injuries can result in skin breaks (wounds), swelling, blood blisters and haematomas. Dressings have a role to play in appropriately covering a wound. However, it is the use of compression based on a good assessment of the limb which is most responsible for expediting recovery.

Tracking wound healing progress requires simple objective data upon which clinical decisions can be made. Photographs of wounds should be supplemented with measurements of wound dimensions and also images of the used wound dressings - which allows for exudate monitoring (recording exudate type, consistency and volume). It is recommended that measurements and photographs be taken weekly or upon any significant change in wound presentation.

Lower leg swelling is common, even more so as we age. How can it be recognised for what it is and what simple things can be done to minimise it.

If you have a chronic or hard-to-heal wound, how do you know if treatment is helping it get better? Simple, reproducible measurements provide objective data which informs progress.

Wound dressings are often surrounded with mysticism and unrealistic expectations. Dressings don't heal wounds but can be used to generate an environment within which repair is likely to proceed. Selecting a dressing should be guided by goals and measurable outcomes, done so upon the basis of regular wound and peri-wound assessment.