Non-Healing Wounds
Providing Exceptional Care for Resistant Wounds
Dealing with a wound that doesn’t seem to heal can be frustrating and even scary. Thankfully, Arizona Vein & Laser Institute is here to help address wounds associated with venous disorders and vascular surgeries. We’ve been serving Arizona communities since 2005, and our practice enlists the expertise of some of the top medical specialists in the area. We use innovative equipment to diagnose non-healing wounds and ensure you get the top-notch treatment you deserve. Find out how our team can help you heal from a resistant wound.
What Is a Non-Healing Wound?
The term “non-healing wound” can refer to any wound that fails to progress normally through the stages of healing. It often remains open and shows few signs of healing in the expected timeframe. If you’ve noticed any of these non-healing wound symptoms, contact your doctor right away:
- Persistent pain in the affected area
- Redness and inflammation
- Discharge coming from the wound
- A strong or unpleasant odor from the wound
- Slow formation of granulation tissue
- Visible infections
Know the Non-Healing Wound Causes
Resistant wounds can occur for a variety of reasons, and it’s important to stay informed of the most common non-healing wound causes. These factors frequently contribute to resistant wounds:
- Infection: Infected wounds usually take longer to heal and may lead to chronic non-healing wounds.
- Ischemia: Poor blood circulation can deprive the wound of essential oxygen and nutrients needed for healing. Those with peripheral arterial disease are at an especially high risk.
- Metabolic Conditions: Certain medical conditions that affect blood sugar control, such as diabetes, can impair wound healing and cause a non-healing wound.
- Immunosuppression: A weakened immune system is known to make wound healing more difficult.
Types of Resistant Wounds and Treatment Approaches
If you’ve shown signs of a non-healing wound, the team at Arizona Vein & Laser Institute wants to help you reclaim your health and quality of life. We’re here to educate patients on the most common conditions and non-healing wound treatments. Here’s an overview of wounds we may be able to treat:
Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Because diabetes can lead to loss of feeling in the extremities and poor circulation, many people with diabetes are prone to foot ulcers as a result of irritation and friction. If the ulcer becomes infected, your doctor will prescribe a treatment plan of antibiotics, wound care, and, in some instances, hospitalization.
Lower Leg Ulcers
Leg ulcers may result from varicose veins, DVT, incompetent valves, and many other causes. Your specific treatment depends on the circumstances leading up to the ulcer's appearance but may include diuretics, anticoagulants, or even surgery.
Bone Infections
Osteomyelitis is one of the most common resistant wounds in bones. This bacterial or fungal infection occurs within the bone tissue and mainly affects those with weakened immune systems, circulatory issues, or puncture wounds. Patients recovering from a recent surgery are also at higher risk. Treatment depends on the type of osteomyelitis you've contracted.
Gangrene
Gangrene has numerous causes, including a lack of blood supply or bacterial infection. Some patients develop gangrene after trauma to the body, often resulting from diabetes, blood vessel disease, or surgery. Your doctor may recommend a debriding treatment, surgery, or antibiotics, depending on the specifics of the wound.
Skin Tears and Lacerations
Sometimes a simple skin laceration can become a non-healing wound. When these injuries are not properly treated, they are prone to fast-spreading bacterial and fungal infections. After diagnosis, your doctor will recommend a treatment plan that may consist of surgery or a course of antibiotics.
Radiation Burns
Radiation burns are sometimes caused by sun exposure, but they more often develop after radiation treatments. In most cases, treatment is administered in the form of specific dressings and antibiotics, though surgery may occasionally be necessary.
Post-Operative Infections
Rarely, surgical sites can become infected by bacteria or fungi. Your doctor is most likely to prescribe a course of antibiotics to facilitate recovery and healing.
Slow or Non-Healing Surgical Wounds
Poor circulation, diabetes, immunosuppressive disorders, and other medical conditions can lead to wounds that are slow to heal after surgery. In these cases, your doctor may suggest a course of antibiotics or an additional surgical procedure. The same approach may be taken in the event of a failed skin or muscle graft.
How Wound Healing Works
Living with a non-healing wound can be confusing, especially if you feel you’ve done everything right to speed healing. It’s sometimes comforting to understand the healing process and recognize when it occurs properly. Get to know the four stages of wound healing:
Phase 1: Hemostasis
The first phase of healing, called hemostasis, begins as soon as the injury occurs. Your body’s primary goal during this phase is to stop the bleeding through contact between platelets and collagen. During this process, the blood begins to clot at the wound site, slowing and eventually stopping the bleeding.
Phase 2: Defense/Inflammation
Now that the bleeding has stopped, your body jumps into action to destroy bacteria and remove debris, ultimately preparing the wound bed for new tissue growth. This phase lasts approximately four to six days and can involve swelling, reddening of the skin, and pain. If the inflammation phase lasts too long, ask your doctor about treatment for a non-healing wound.
Phase 3: Proliferation
Now that the wound is cleared out, your body can focus on filling and covering the wound with connective tissues, new blood vessels, and epithelium. This phase lasts anywhere from four to 24 days, depending on the severity of the wound and your overall health.
Phase 4: Maturation
During this phase, your body begins to reorganize and remodel cells and fibers to increase the strength and flexibility of the skin. Usually, the skin regains up to 80 percent of the strength it had before the injury occurred. As with other phases of healing, the duration of this phase can vary. Some patients recover in just 21 days, while others with more severe injuries may need a few years to fully heal.
Call Our Vascular Treatment Experts Today
Instead of living with a non-healing wound, seek the treatment you deserve. The vascular specialists at Arizona Vein & Laser Institute can handle a range of resistant wounds associated with venous disorders. When you consult with our team, you’ll have the benefit of years of expertise and plenty of resources to restore your health and well-being. Contact us today to make an appointment.