What Are Chronic Wounds and Why Don’t They Heal?

Title: What Are Chronic Wounds and Why Don’t They Heal?

What Is a Chronic Wound?

Most cuts, scrapes, or injuries heal within a few weeks. But sometimes, a wound lingers. If a wound hasn’t healed after four weeks, it may be considered chronic. These wounds don’t follow the body’s natural healing process and can put your health at risk if left untreated.

Common Causes of Chronic Wounds

Chronic wounds can happen for many reasons. Some of the most common include:

• Diabetes: High blood sugar damages circulation and nerves, making healing more difficult.

• Poor blood flow: Conditions like peripheral artery disease can prevent enough oxygen and nutrients from reaching the wound.

• Pressure injuries: Staying in one position for too long (such as in a wheelchair or bed) can cause pressure ulcers.

• Infections: Even a small cut can become serious if bacteria enter and spread.

Signs Your Wound May Be Chronic

It’s important to know when to seek help. Watch for these warning signs:

• A wound that hasn’t improved in 2–4 weeks

• Redness, swelling, or warmth around the wound

• Drainage or foul odor

• Increasing pain

• Darkening skin around the wound

If you notice these signs, don’t wait — professional wound care can make all the difference.

Why Don’t Chronic Wounds Heal on Their Own?

Healing is a complex process. Chronic wounds often get “stuck” in one stage of healing because of:

• Poor circulation (the wound doesn’t get enough oxygen)

• Infection (bacteria block normal repair)

• Underlying conditions (like diabetes, kidney disease, or obesity)

This is why professional wound care is essential. Specialized treatments can “restart” the healing process.

How WoundHubs Can Help

At WoundHubs, we believe every patient deserves the best chance to heal. Our team uses advanced wound care treatments — such as regenerative therapies, collagen, and specialized dressings — that go beyond traditional bandages.

Best of all, many of these treatments are covered by Medicare, meaning patients can access cutting-edge care with little to no cost.

The Takeaway

A wound that doesn’t heal is more than just a small problem — it’s a sign your body needs help. If you or a loved one has a wound that hasn’t improved after a few weeks, don’t ignore it.