Wound Pain: Do You Know the Physiology?

The pain that stems from chronic wounds is a common obstacle to healing. Recent literature suggests that clinicians who evaluate wound-related pain do not use a consistent method, and often, these assessments vary between health care professions.¹ To begin a better understanding of wound related-pain, wound care professionals may want to familiarize themselves with the physiology of pain.

Chronic wound pain is a complicated condition with both physical and psychological aspects.² The magnitude of pain is usually contingent on the depth of the wound and whether an infection is present. Nevertheless, providing adequate pain relief can be challenging due to wound management’s multi-faceted nature.³ It is essential to understand the physiology of pain, the types, its impact on healing, assessment techniques, and various wound care approaches to develop a comprehensive care plan for patients with wounds.⁴

To learn more about the physiology of wound pain, click here.

References

1. Nicoletta F. Assessment of pain in chronic wounds: A survey of Australian health care practitioners. Intern Wound J. 2018;15(6):943-949. https://doi.org/10.1111/iwj.12951
2. Frescos N. Assessment of pain in Chronic wounds: A survey of Australian health care practitioners. Int Wound J. 2018;15(6):943-949. doi:10.1111/iwj.12951
3. Suzuki K, Lockhart R, & Birnbaum Z. Principles In Pain Management For Wound Care Patients. Podiatry Today. 2016;29(8). https://www.hmpgloballearningnetwork.com/site/podiatry/principles-pain-m....
4. Bechert K, Abraham SE. Pain management and wound care. J Am Col Certif Wound Spec. 2009;1(2):65-71.doi:10.1016/j.jcws.2008.12.001