Why Won’t My Wound Heal? 5 Common Reasons Chronic Wounds Develop

A minor scrape or cut usually heals within days. But what happens when a wound lingers for weeks without signs of healing? You may be dealing with a chronic wound — and it’s more common than you might think. Chronic wounds affect millions of people and can lead to serious health risks if not treated properly.

In this post, we explore the five most common reasons wounds become chronic and how professional wound care can help get healing back on track.

What Is a Chronic Wound?

A wound is considered chronic when it hasn’t healed in about 4 weeks despite standard care. These wounds may be painful, swollen, draining fluid, or showing signs of infection. Without treatment, they can worsen, leading to severe infections or even limb loss.

1. Poor Circulation

Conditions like peripheral artery disease (PAD) reduce blood flow to your limbs, making it harder for wounds to get the oxygen and nutrients they need to heal. Without adequate circulation, even minor injuries can turn into serious problems.

2. Diabetes

High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and nerves, leading to poor wound healing. Many people with diabetes also have peripheral neuropathy, meaning they may not feel injuries on their feet until a wound has already worsened.

3. Infection

Bacteria in an open wound can slow or completely halt the healing process. Signs of infection include increased redness, swelling, pus, or a foul odor. Prompt medical treatment is critical to remove infection and protect surrounding tissue.

4. Pressure or Re-injury

Chronic pressure on an area, especially on the heels, buttocks, or feet, can reopen or deepen wounds. These are known as pressure ulcers or bedsores. Regular offloading and protective dressings can help prevent re-injury.

5. Inadequate Wound Care

Not all wounds can be treated with over-the-counter bandages. Improper dressing changes, failure to debride dead tissue, and lack of medical oversight can delay healing or make wounds worse.

How a Wound Care Specialist Can Help

At our clinic, we identify the root cause of your non-healing wound and develop a tailored treatment plan. We offer advanced options like surgical debridement, regenerative allografts, and infection control to restore healing and protect your overall health.

Don’t ignore a wound that isn’t healing. Book a wound care consultation today and take the first step toward recovery.