Why Wounds Won't Heal

Wounds that won’t heel within four weeks are commonly caused by underlying conditions. These underlying conditions are often associated with inadequate circulation, poorly functioning veins, and immobilization. If ignored, wounds may become infected; thus, leading to lower quality of life or amputation. This is especially true for patients with diabetes. Diabetes affects the wound healing process by reducing circulation and altering the immune system.

In order to avoid dangerous complications, it’s important to take care of a wound that won’t heel.

Common Causes Wounds Won't Heal

Inadequate Circulation

The body’s circulatory system plays an important role when it comes to wounds by providing oxygen, nutrients, and hormones to your muscles, tissues, and organs. When you’re injured, your blood carries extra nutrients and white blood cells to the wound site. Inadequate circulation slows this process, making the healing process take longer.

Poorly Functioning Veins

Venous insufficiency is a condition in which the veins have problems sending blood from the legs back to the heart. This leads to pressure in the lower leg veins; consequently, creating buildup. Buildup prevents nutrients and oxygen from getting to tissues, resulting in cells death and tissue damage.

Immobilization

Inactivity shuts down the muscle, restricting blood flow to the injured area. Movement improves blood flow by driving oxygen to the area and removing metabolic waste. 

In addition to the contributing factors mentioned above, nutrition, obesity, chronic conditions, and medication can affect the healing process. Here’s why:

  • Nutrition is vital to healing. Your body needs the necessary nutrients for cell repair and growth.
  • Anyone above their ideal weight by 20% is a risk of infection of a healing wound. Adipose tissue (fat tissue), increases the demand on the circulatory system. 
  • Chronic diseases such as cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, and immunodeficiency conditions, slow the wound repair process.
  • Prescription medications, such as Anticoagulants, can disrupt blood clotting. Immunosuppressants can weaken the immune system.

If your wound hasn’t improved after 2 weeks or completely healed after 4 weeks, contact American Foot & Leg Specialists. Our physicians are specialists in treating foot wounds, especially for those patients with diabetes. If other signs such as, increased pain, redness or swelling, foul odor, or change in color occur, schedule your appointment immediately.