For the safety of our Customers and Staff, we follow Fort Worth ISD on inclement weather days. 

Signs Your Wound Isn't Healing

Signs Your Wound Isn't Healing

Wounds and injuries are common, and anyone can get one. While many types of wounds heal on their own within a few weeks, some types of wounds heal slower — or not at all.

In fact, about 6.5 million Americans have chronic wounds. These wounds don’t start healing on their own. They can be painful, and often, they don’t respond to at-home care.

Medical Associates Of North Texas offers comprehensive wound care in Fort Worth, Texas. If you have a wound that isn’t getting better, it’s time to learn the signs of a chronic wound.

Identifying a non-healing wound

Your body has the natural ability to heal itself. But some types of wounds and certain health conditions can affect your body’s ability to heal like it should.

Diabetic ulcers and pressure sores are two common types of slow-healing wounds. Some health conditions that interfere with your chronic disease or circulation problems, can also affect your body’s ability to heal like it should. 

Time

How long have you had your wound? Most of the time, wounds start healing on their own within 1-2 weeks and heal significantly by six weeks.

If your wound looks the same or worse after a couple of weeks, that’s a sign that it isn’t healing like it should be. If it still isn’t healing in six weeks, you may have a slow- or non-healing wound. 

Pain

How does the area feel? It’s normal to feel some pain, swelling, and heat around a wound as it starts to heal. But if the pain doesn’t go away, it might indicate a non-healing wound.

Non-healing wounds can cause worsening pain over time. You may notice increasing swelling, redness, and even develop a fever if infection occurs.

Odor

Do you notice any unusual odors? A healing wound shouldn’t have a noticeable odor, but a foul odor could be a sign of a non-healing wound. Dead and dying tissue, along with discharge from infection may give off distinct, bad-smelling odors.

Appearance

What does the wound look like? Properly healing wounds form scabs, and you might even see new tissue growth as the scab disappears.

If you have a slow-healing wound, you won’t see these signs of healing. Instead, you might notice drainage or pus, swelling, redness, and darkening skin around the edges of the wound.

Size

Is your wound changing in size? Wounds that are healing properly will get smaller over time. Slow- or non-healing wounds may stay the same size or get larger.

Don’t wait to get wound care

If you have a wound that isn’t getting better, don’t wait to make a doctor’s appointment. Slow-healing wounds can increase your risk of serious complications like infection and gangrene.

Untreated wounds could eventually necessitate amputation of the affected limb, but professional wound care helps promote healing and prevent these serious complications. Our team at Medical Associates Of North Texas specializes in comprehensive wound care.

We start by examining your wound and your symptoms. We review your medical history to identify any underlying conditions that could be affecting your body’s ability to heal, and we begin the wound care process.

We carefully clean your wound and remove any dead tissue in a procedure called debridement. We apply specialized dressings and prescribe antibiotic medication if necessary.

Wound care is an ongoing treatment. We help you learn how to care for your wound at home, and we regularly monitor your condition to avoid health complications.

Do you think you have a slow-healing wound? Now is the time to start getting professional wound care. Contact our team online or call us at 972-695-8053 to request your first appointment.

You Might Also Enjoy...

 What to Expect at a Spirometry Testing Appointment

What to Expect at a Spirometry Testing Appointment

Spirometry testing assesses lung function to diagnose respiratory conditions — and knowing what to expect can ease your nerves and help your appointment go more smoothly. Here’s how spirometry testing works.
 What Causes Emphysema and What Can I Do About It?

What Causes Emphysema and What Can I Do About It?

Emphysema is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It affects your ability to breathe and significantly impacts your quality of life. But what causes it? And if you’ve been diagnosed, what can you do about it? Get answers here.
5 Ways Primary Care Supports Your Health

5 Ways Primary Care Supports Your Health

Do you have a primary care provider? If not, here’s why you should. Primary care includes essential ongoing health care services to support optimal health and lower your risk of diseases, disability, and even death.

Which Type of Skin Biopsy Do I Need?

Do you have a suspicious mole or skin lesion? A skin biopsy might be the best way to diagnose your condition so you can start the right treatment plan. But which type of skin biopsy do you need? Learn about a few of the most common options here.