It’s normal for cuts, blisters, or sores to heal on their own. Our bodies can recover themselves with the slightest amount of attention and cleaning. But if a wound won’t heal after four to six weeks, or if it starts looking worse redder, swollen, leaking fluid, or giving off a bad smell that’s a clear sign something deeper is going on. Sometimes, a wound which is initially small can turn into an infected leg or foot ulcer and, if not treated, these can lead to severe complications, including the possibility of amputation in some cases.
Get help if you’re not capable of healing a wound.
What causes some wounds to not heal
There are several common reasons why a wound won’t heal. Understanding the reasons can aid you (and your doctor) to determine the best solution for treating it.
If you’re suffering from diabetes the chance of developing leg and foot ulcers is high. High blood sugar levels can harm your nerves (so that you don’t feel the pain in the event of an injury) and limit blood flow, which makes it difficult for even minor wounds to heal.
A poor circulation can also be a cause. It is usually related to venous or arterial ulcers. If your blood vessels or arterial arteries aren’t performing their job, then you won’t get enough oxygen and nutrients to allow your skin to heal.
If you’re unable to move about, you might develop pressure ulcers.
Healing can be slowed down due to other causes, such as the age of the patient, certain medications the autoimmune condition, or inadequate nutrition. Sometimes, it’s the combination of all these elements that lead to an injury to not heal.
How long will healing last? And What If It Doesn’t?
It’s normal to ask what time healing “should” take. It’s contingent on the severity of your injury and your overall health. Minor blisters or cuts may heal in a couple of weeks. If you’ve got a foot ulcer that doesn’t heal, or a leg wound that doesn’t heal, it could take 12 weeks.
The most important thing to keep in mind is that if not experiencing any improvement in 4 to 6 weeks, don’t delay. It’s the time to see a professional for wound care. The longer a wound is left open, the higher the risk.
Find the right help for you
Your body’s not telling you it requires your assistance since it isn’t ready to heal. The good news? There are treatments and specialists which can make a significant difference. Our clinic specializes in the treatment of foot and leg injuries that don’t heal. We will work with you and your other healthcare providers to develop an action plan that gives your body the best chance to heal and avoid an amputation.
If it’s advanced wound dressings, the ability to restore blood flow or even the use of hyperbaric oxygen as a special therapy There are solutions there. We’ll work with you to help treat your wound.
Final Thoughts
A wound that will not heal impacts you in more ways than one. It can alter your life. There is an option. If you’re sick of dealing with a leg injury that isn’t healing, a sore that won’t heal, or a non-healing foot ulcer, do not hesitate to ask for assistance. You can live the life you’ve always wanted without worry or pain about a wound that isn’t healing when you act swiftly.