Pain Management in Patients with Chronic Wounds

Abstract

Chronic wounds are increasing in prevalence and are often associated with significant pain, which can have a major impact on quality of life. Safe and effective pain management can be challenging, an unfortunate reality that is highlighted by the ongoing opioid crisis. This review aims to provide an evidence-based framework for pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic pain management in patients with chronic wounds. As reflected in the new CDC guidelines, no study has shown that long-term opioid use mitigates chronic pain. Non-pharmacologic therapies, including virtual reality and acupuncture, have shown efficacy and are promising adjuvant therapies for pain management. Non-opioid pharmacotherapies and non-pharmacologic therapies are preferable to opioids for chronic pain related to non-healing wounds. The experience of pain is a subjective and complex biopsychosocial process that necessitates a rational, personalized, and often multimodal approach to management.