VIP Approach to Foot Ulcer & Wound Care in Seattle | Limb Preservation

by Dr. Hoy

Gold letters spelling VIP with a shiny, metallic effect and a gold crown on top of the I, set against a black background.Dr. Hoy uses the VIP approach to ulcer care and limb preservation.  This stands for vascular, infection, pressure.

Quick Answer

The VIP approach to wound care, utilized by Dr. Hoy at Seattle Foot and Ankle Center, is a comprehensive strategy for treating foot ulcers and preserving limbs. This method focuses on three critical factors: Vascular, Infection, and Pressure. Seattle Foot and Ankle Center addresses vascular health to ensure adequate circulation for healing, manages infection to prevent complications, and relieves pressure to allow wounds to close effectively.

Vascular: It is important to make sure there is enough circulation to heal the ulcer or wound.  If the patient has poor circulation, the nutrients and healing factors may not be able to get to the wound to heal it.  We test the feet to make sure there is adequate circulation, such as checking pulses and getting arterial testing at a local vascular lab.  If there is decreased circulation, a referral may be needed to a vascular surgeon to perform procedures to increase circulation.

If there is swelling, that means there is poor vein and lymphatic function and compression is needed to heal the ulcer.

Infection: Infection in the wound impedes wound healing.  Topical antibiotics are used to prevent and treat infection.  If there is more severe infection, oral antibiotics may be needed.  Debridement is performed to take out infected and non-viable tissue in the wound.  If there is any infected bone, that may need to be removed as well if antibiotics are not working.

Pressure: There may be areas of increased pressure that prevent wounds from healing.  If the ulcer is on the bottom of the foot shoes may be too flexible and keep it from healing.  Special offweighting shoes and casts may be needed.  The increased pressure may also be caused by deformities such as bunions and hammertoes or bone spurs.  Surgical procedures may be needed to reduce these deformities to allow the ulcer to heal.

In pain?  Don’t wait.  Early treatment leads to faster recovery.  Urgent appointments available.  Read about Conditions We Treat.  Request an Appointment online.  Call: 206-682-8741 or Contact Us.  If you like our content, please link it to your website and Collaborate With Us.  Thank you.

What related posts offer insights into foot and ankle conditions like Morton's Neuroma, geriatric foot care, and diabetic wound care in Seattle?

    Related posts include articles on Morton's Neuroma, geriatric foot care, and diabetic wound care. Specifically, you can find information on 'Morton’s Neuroma: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options in Seattle', 'WSPMA 2019 Annual Conference Day 3', 'Seattle Area Geriatric Foot Care', and 'Seattle Area Diabetic Foot and Ankle Wound Care'.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What is the "VIP approach" to wound care mentioned on this page?

The VIP approach is a comprehensive method for treating foot ulcers and promoting limb preservation. It focuses on three critical factors: Vascular (ensuring adequate circulation), Infection (managing and preventing infection), and Pressure (relieving pressure on the wound).

2 How does poor circulation impact wound healing, and what treatments are available?

Poor circulation prevents essential nutrients and healing factors from reaching the wound, which impedes healing. We test for adequate circulation, and if it's decreased, a referral to a vascular surgeon may be needed to improve blood flow. Compression is also used if swelling is present.

3 What methods are used to manage infection in foot wounds?

Infection significantly slows wound healing. Treatment involves using topical or oral antibiotics, depending on the severity. Debridement is performed to remove infected or non-viable tissue, and in some cases, infected bone may need to be removed if antibiotics are not effective.

4 How do you address pressure that prevents foot ulcers from healing?

Increased pressure can prevent wounds from healing, especially on the bottom of the foot. We use special offweighting shoes or casts to relieve this pressure. If deformities like bunions or hammertoes cause the increased pressure, surgical procedures may be considered to correct them and allow the ulcer to heal.