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About Jim B
Expertise
I can answer a variety of questions concerning the physical care of burns and burn patients which commonly are of interest to both patients and their families. Also I may be helpful in suggesting lifestyle modifications which will help with a more complete recovery from a serious burn. I can also accept questions regarding the physical classifications of burns and the implications regarding the size, depth, and location of burns. What I cannot answer based on my own knowledge and experience I can refer to my current and former collegues in the field including the plastic and trauma surgeons and burn recovery organizations. In many of these cases I will provide a line of communication directly to a specific expert or organization. While I can describe general treatments routines with which I am experienced,I cannot answer questions dealing with specifuc diagnosis of conditions or problems. Additionally, please understand that the area of burn treatments is an experimental one in which there is constant progress and change. Each Burn Center invests a major effort in the development of new materials, treatments, medications, and techniques. In this area of constant change and growth no one can be fully aware of all treatment courses employed.
Experience
I am a licensed Paramedic and have also worked as a wound technician in a large regional Burn Center in a Trauma Level 1 hospital. I have experience in the areas of burn evaluation and care, both long-term and immediate first aid. I have also worked as a volunteer couselor with post-burn patients dealing with issues ranging from life-style changes to re-entering the world as a serious burn survivor.
Education/Credentials
BA Economics and Biology, AA Health Care Management, EMT-P licensed in Missouri, ABLS (Advanced Burn Life Support)qulification, ACLS-EP (Advanced Cardiac Life Support-Experienced Provider), Former National Ski Patrol Winter Emergency Care Instructor and Senior Evaluator, Emergency Medical Technician and Paramedic Instructor.
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You are here: Experts > Health/Fitness > First Aid/Emergency Medicine > Burns > 2nd degree burn on calf
Expert: Jim B
Date: 5/14/2008
Subject: 2nd degree burn on calf
Question
Three days ago, my son was camping with friends and playing with fire. Several boys filled a coke can with lighter fluid and lit it, when the fire spread, he and his older brother stomped the can and fire catching Brody's pants on fire.The ER told us his calf had 3rd degree burn in the center of his calf. They sent us to a wound care clinic and they said 2nd degree. My concern is that he will not step down on his heel of his foot, because he says the muscle cramps up and he falls to the floor. He can however walk on the ball of his foot. Is there need to worry about that calf freezing up. The therapist just wrapped it and said come back next week. The worst of the burn is in the center of his calf and is white with blood spots in it.
Answer
Hi Shelly,
It sounds (from your description) as though there may be a small third degree burn area on his calf. There should not be any lasting muscle damage from your description, but he does need to exercise the leg so that he does not develop a problem walking however. Such things as partial squats with his feet flat on the ground, or using a exercise equipment that allows him to push from flexed to extended with the heel area (a rowing machine would be one example) is recommended by a Physical Therapist I asked.
As to the "white area with the blood spots." That is the area that sounds like it could have been a third degree injury. If there is sensation in this area it is probably second degree, If not it is much more likely to be third degree. If third degree, the exercise is more important to prevent adhesions between any scar tissue and the underlying muscle. This should be evaluated by a burn doctor and a PT or RT should help with an exercise program.
Hope this helps!
Jim
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