It’s normal to expect cuts or blisters to heal themselves. The body can heal themselves with a little care and cleaning. However, if a wound doesn’t be healed after a period of 4 to 6 weeks, or if it starts looking worse redder, swollen, leaking fluid, or emitting a sour smell, that’s an indication there’s something deeper going on. A small sore can turn into a foot or leg wound that isn’t healing. If not treated this could result in serious problems and may even lead to an Amputation.
So if you’ve been waiting for an injury that won’t heal, it might be time to put down the wait and seek help.
Why some wounds refuse to heal
There are a variety of causes for a wound not to heal. Understanding the reasons can help you (and your doctor) determine the best method to treat it.
You’re at a higher risk for foot and leg wounds that don’t heal properly if you suffer from diabetes. In fact, high blood glucose levels can affect nerves and cause it so that you do not notice the wounds. They also hinder blood flow.
A lack of circulation may be the cause. This is often caused by venous or artery ulcers. If your veins or arterial arteries fail to do their job, you will not receive enough nutrients and oxygen to allow your skin to heal.
You may also develop bedsores (pressure ulcers) in the event of mobility issues. These are another type of wounds that are extremely stubborn if not treated correctly.
Other factors like the aging process and certain medications (like blood thinners), autoimmune conditions, and even poor nutrition may affect healing. Sometimes it’s a combination these elements that cause a wound remain.
How long do healing procedures typically take? What happens if it does not happen?
You might be wondering what you should consider the “normal” healing time is. It’s dependent on the severity of your injury and your overall health. A small cut or blister could heal within two weeks. But if you’re dealing with a deeper foot ulcer or leg wound won’t heal, it might take up to 12 weeks if things are going well.
It’s important to not wait in case there isn’t any improvement within 4 to 6 weeks. It’s the time to see an expert for wound treatment. The longer the wound remains open the greater the risk.
You Deserve Better Finding the Best Help
If your sore isn’t healing isn’t just “bad luck” or something to ignore the body’s signals are telling you that it needs help. What’s the good news? There are experts and treatments that can really make a difference. Our clinic is specialized in treating leg and foot wounds that aren’t healing. We work with your other health care providers and develop an action plan that gives your body the greatest chance to heal and avoid Amputations.
If it’s advanced wound dressings, or restoring blood flow, or special therapies like hyperbaric oxygen treatments, there are options out there. We’ll assist you every step of the way, because nobody should be forced to take on an injury that isn’t healing by itself.
Final Thoughts
The effects of a laceration that doesn’t heal aren’t only physical. They affect your entire life. There’s an option. If you’re tired of dealing with a wound on your leg which won’t heal, or an open sore that doesn’t heal, or a non-healing foot ulcer, don’t be reluctant to ask for help. The earlier you ask for help, the sooner your painful wound will heal and allow you to be back to the life you’re entitled to.