It can be incredibly frustrating to have a chronic foot wound that isn’t healing properly. If you have a foot wound that is healing too slowly or seemingly not at all, it’s only natural to wonder what might be preventing proper healing and what you can do to improve your recovery.
At Alliance Foot & Ankle Specialists, we understand your frustration and are here to provide the wound care you need. Our Tarrant County foot care specialists regularly help patients overcome barriers to wound healing through individualized assessment and personalized treatment plans that address the underlying causes of chronic wounds. We can work with you at our Grapevine or Keller location to determine what might be preventing your wound from healing and explore effective recovery solutions.
Common Medical Conditions That Affect Wound Healing
A number of systemic medical conditions can negatively impact the body's natural healing processes, resulting in chronic wounds that won’t heal. Examples of underlying medical conditions that can be barriers to proper wound healing include:
Diabetes
Chronic diabetic foot wounds are notoriously slow to heal. Consistently high blood sugar levels interfere with healing and increase the risk of infection. It’s critical for patients with diabetes to regularly monitor and manage their blood sugar.
Diabetes also damages blood vessels and nerves, particularly in the feet. This damage lessens blood flow, preventing sufficient oxygen and nutrients from reaching the wound site to promote healing.
Peripheral Artery Disease
The poor circulation caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD) creates similar challenges to diabetes. Since blood flow is restricted with this condition, your body will struggle to deliver the essential components needed for healing. PAD often affects the legs and feet, making foot wounds particularly challenging to treat.
Autoimmune Disorders
Autoimmune disorders can interfere with normal healing processes by causing inflammation or interfering with the proper functioning of your immune system. Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and scleroderma particularly affect wound healing in the feet. These conditions may require specialized treatment approaches to support proper wound healing.
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Rheumatoid arthritis causes chronic inflammation, which can damage blood vessels and the tissue surrounding a wound.
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Lupus may lead to poor circulation and an increased risk of infection in foot wounds.
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Scleroderma affects collagen production and can impair the formation of new tissue.
Wound Characteristics That Impact Healing
The condition of the wound itself plays a crucial role in the healing process. When assessing a persistent foot wound, a skilled podiatrist will carefully evaluate the local wound environment for barriers to healing.
Wound Size
The size and depth of the wound impact healing time. Larger or deeper wounds typically take longer to heal and may require more intensive treatment approaches. Your foot doctor will regularly measure and document these characteristics to track healing progress.
Excessive Pressure
Excessive pressure on the wound site can prevent healing by repeatedly damaging newly formed tissue that develops as the body tries to heal. This is particularly common in foot wounds, as the act of walking naturally places pressure on the affected area. Special footwear or offloading devices may be necessary to protect the wound.
Infection
Infection presents another significant barrier to healing. Bacteria in the wound can cause ongoing inflammation and prevent the formation of healthy new tissue. Professional wound care often includes measures to control infection and support proper healing.
Necrotic Tissue
Dead tissue in and around the wound can also impede healing. This tissue, known as necrotic tissue, must be removed through a process called debridement to allow healthy tissue to form. Only a qualified medical professional, such as our Tarrant County foot care specialists, should perform this procedure.
Moisture Balance
Moisture balance plays a vital role in wound healing. Too much moisture can lead to skin breakdown and an increased risk of infection, while too little moisture can slow down the healing process. Your podiatrist will recommend appropriate dressings to maintain optimal moisture levels.
Temperature
The temperature of the wound site affects healing at the cellular level. When wound temperature drops below normal body temperature, healing slows significantly. Proper dressing selection and application techniques help maintain the ideal temperature for healing.
Lifestyle Factors That Pose Wound Healing Barriers
Not all factors that impact wound healing are related to illness or the wound in and of itself. Your habits and whether or not you actually follow your podiatrist’s recommendations play an important role in healing.
Treatment Adherence
Not only is it important to see a podiatrist for wound diagnosis and treatment, but it’s also critical to take your foot specialist’s recommendations seriously. It’s essential to consistently follow your prescribed treatment plan. Our Tarrant County podiatrists will work with you to develop a manageable care routine.
Proper Nutrition
Proper nutrition impacts wound healing. Eating the right foods provides your body with the building blocks needed for wound healing. Consuming a balanced diet that’s rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals is necessary to support the tissue repair needed for wound healing.
Appropriate Wound Care
Maintaining a clean wound environment is critical to healing. Failing to change wound dressings as scheduled can lead to infection and delayed healing. Your foot care team will provide detailed instructions on key wound care procedures, such as proper dressing change techniques and timing.
Physical Activity
Physical activity impacts circulation, which affects wound healing. Excessive activity can stress the wound and delay wound healing, but appropriate levels of movement promote blood flow and healing. Our Tarrant County foot care specialists will help you find the right balance of rest and activity.
Sleep Habits
Sleep quality directly impacts your body's healing abilities, and maintaining good sleep habits supports faster wound healing. While you are asleep, your body releases growth hormones and performs vital repair processes, both of which are necessary to promote wound healing.
Smoking
Did you know that smoking contributes to chronic foot pain? It also impairs wound healing by reducing blood flow and oxygen levels in your tissues. Quitting smoking can dramatically improve your body's ability to heal while continuing to smoke can prevent wounds from healing properly and increase your risk of severe consequences. Your podiatrist can connect you with resources to help you quit.