Non-Healing Wound Treatment and Care at CardioVascular Health Clinic

At CardioVascular Health Clinic, your health is always our top priority, even if it involves a relentless, unexpected new wound.

When it comes to wounds, most of us don’t automatically tie them to a more serious underlying vascular or cardiovascular condition. Still, they could be the first indicator of something more serious in your body.

Our bodies can heal themselves when we experience wounds, trauma, and illnesses of all types. However, there are instances where wounds do not heal as expected, leading to what is known as the umbrella term of “non-healing wounds.” 

This term means that the wound you’re experiencing is not healing in the appropriate or expected amount of time. 

Non-healing wounds can be frustrating and painful, requiring specialized care and treatment to heal properly, especially if you’re living with chronic non-healing wounds.

You don’t have to suffer from non-healing wounds forever. Effective diagnosis and treatment options are available to find the underlying cause of your injury and care for your condition at the source.

Here we will explore the different types of non-healing wounds, their causes, and the available treatment options at CardioVascular Health Clinic in Oklahoma. Read on to learn more.

What Are Non-Healing Wounds?

A non-healing wound refers to a persistent or chronic wound that fails to progress through the normal stages of healing within the expected timeframe. 

Unlike other wounds that heal naturally over time, non-healing wounds do not exhibit signs of improvement or closure. Instead, they often remain open, may worsen over time, or have stalled in the healing process.

Non-healing wounds can result from various factors, such as underlying health conditions, impaired blood flow, infections, or improper wound care. 

Types of Non-Healing Wounds

Non-healing wounds can be classified into several types. The most common types of non-healing wounds include:

1. Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A common complication of diabetes, these ulcers usually develop on the feet and are slow to heal due to poor circulation and nerve damage.
2. Pressure Ulcers: Also known as bedsores or pressure sores, these ulcers occur when constant pressure is applied to a specific skin area. They often develop in individuals who are bedridden or have limited mobility.
3. Venous Ulcers: These ulcers are typically found on the lower legs and are caused by poor blood circulation or venous insufficiency. They can result from vascular conditions such as varicose veins or deep vein thrombosis.
4. Arterial Ulcers: These ulcers are caused by poor blood flow to the extremities, particularly the legs or feet. They commonly affect those diagnosed with peripheral artery disease or atherosclerosis.
5. Surgical Wounds: A non-healing wound can develop when a surgical wound fails to heal correctly or becomes infected. While not nearly as common as other ulcers, surgical wounds can develop due to certain risk factors, such as poor surgical technique, a compromised immune system, or previously-diagnosed underlying health conditions.

Non-Healing Wound Causes

If you or someone you love has a non-healing wound, you may wonder how it appeared in the first place. There are various reasons for non-healing wound development.

The most common causes include:

1. Poor blood flow due to conditions such as type 2 diabetes, peripheral artery disease, or venous insufficiency can hinder healing.
2. Infected wounds can quickly become non-healing. Bacterial, fungal, or viral infections can impede the body's natural healing mechanisms leading to the development and progression of a non-healing wound.
3. Chronic conditions, such as diabetes, autoimmune disorders, or vascular diseases, can interfere with wound healing and contribute to non-healing wounds.
4. Poor nutrition and inadequate intake of essential nutrients, particularly proteins, vitamins, and minerals, can impair wound healing and prolong wound recovery.
5. Individuals with a compromised immune system, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or living with HIV/AIDS, may experience delayed wound healing or non-healing wounds.

PAD Treatment: Targeted Care for Non-Healing Wounds

Treating non-healing wounds requires a comprehensive approach tailored to your specific wound needs and their underlying causes. 

A PAD procedure, such as an angioplasty or stent, can be an effective treatment option in cases where non-healing wounds are caused by reduced blood flow due to peripheral artery disease. 

Once a PAD procedure is performed, the body’s natural healing processes can resume by restoring proper blood circulation to the affected area. In turn, tissue repair and wound closure is promoted.

PAD procedures are commonly performed in the lower extremities, where non-healing wounds are frequently found in patients with peripheral arterial disease.

Effective and Personalized Care for Non-Healing Wounds in Oklahoma

At CardioVascular Health Clinic, we pride ourselves on providing various treatment options for vascular and cardiovascular conditions, including those that can cause non-healing wounds.

If you or someone you love is experiencing new or worsening non-healing wounds, we can help.

Schedule an appointment with one of our vascular experts to get the personalized and prompt wound care you need now.