What You Need to Know About Non-Healing Wounds
January 11, 2019If you have a wound that has not started to heal in 2 weeks or has not completely healed in 6 weeks, you may have a non-healing wound.
The most common types of non-healing wounds include:
- Diabetic foot wounds/ulcers
- Ankle and leg wounds caused by vein disease and swelling in legs
- Pressure sores (decubiti)
- Surgically created wounds
- Wounds with underlying bone infections
- Puncture wounds
- Wounds in patients with altered sensation (neuropathy) caused by a multitude of medical conditions. These wounds are most commonly found in the foot or ankle.
People who are at highest risk for non-healing wounds include:
- Diabetics with reduced sensation or poor circulation or BOTH
- Poor circulation in feet and legs (PAD) without diabetes
- Patients with venous insufficiency who develop swelling in the legs and feet
- Dialysis and transplant patients
- Patients with Raynaud’s disease with foot/toe involvement
- Patients with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus (SLE), scleroderma
Fortunately, Starling has wound care experts who can help you on the road to recovery. Neglecting a wound can be very dangerous. Any wound in any patient that is not healing properly is an invitation for infection and potentially limb or life altering complications.