Symptoms, Causes and Complications of Chronic Wounds

Have you ever wondered why some cuts or sores seem to take forever to heal, no matter how much care you give them? These stubborn wounds, known as chronic wounds, can be quite a hassle. 

“We’ve all had wounds at some time in our lives. And they usually heal on their own with just a bandage after a couple of weeks. If your wound has been there for more than a couple of weeks and isn’t making any progress, it’s likely it will need a little extra help from one of our clinics to help get it on the road to healing,” says Guy Peterson, D.O., a wound care specialist at INTEGRIS Health Edmond Hospital.

Let’s explore what chronic wounds are, what causes them and why they can be challenging to deal with. Whether you’re personally dealing with one or just curious, read below to learn more about chronic wounds.

Symptoms

• Persistent pain or discomfort in the wound area
• Redness, swelling, or warmth around the wound site
• Foul odor coming from the wound
• Slow healing despite proper care
• Presence of pus or discharge
• Development of a crust or scab that keeps reopening

Causes

• Underlying medical conditions like diabetes, peripheral artery disease (PAD) or autoimmune disorders
• Poor circulation leading to reduced oxygen and nutrient supply to the wound site
• Infections that delay healing and worsen tissue damage
• Inadequate wound management, including insufficient cleaning or dressing changes
• Certain medications or treatments that hinder wound healing, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy
• Lifestyle factors such as smoking or poor nutrition, which can affect the body’s ability to heal

Complications

• Infection spreading to surrounding tissues or entering the bloodstream, potentially causing sepsis
• Tissue necrosis (death of surrounding tissue) due to inadequate blood supply
• Chronic pain and discomfort affecting quality of life
• Formation of extensive scar tissue, limiting mobility
• Reduced function of affected body parts, especially if joints or tendons are involved
• Increased risk of recurrence or development of additional chronic wounds

Remember, it’s super important to see a doctor if you have a chronic wound. They can help prevent big issues and make sure you heal and get back to the things that matter to you. 

“Healing wounds is all we do, and we love developing treatment plans that help people get started toward healing,” says Dr. Peterson.

If you or a loved one needs wound care, talk to your primary care provider or visit our website to learn more.