A wound or ulcer that will not heal after five to eight weeks of treatment is considered non-healing.  These wounds can be painful and frustrating to manage. Here at CTVS, we work with your care providers and do everything medically possible to help wound healing and avoid amputation when a foot wound or leg wound won’t heal.

Symptoms of a non-healing wound:

  • Pain at the site or around the wound
  • Redness or swelling that spreads out from the wound
  • Darker color around the edges
  • Warmth at or around the site of the wound
  • Pus leaking, draining, or weeping from the wound
  • Bad odor or smell at the wound site

Why is my leg ulcer not healing? 

There are many reasons your body may not be able to heal your wound. Most chronic wounds can be categorized as one of the following:

We will see you in the clinic and discuss possible treatment options with you before proceeding with next steps.  Understanding what type of ulcer you have will help our amputation prevention specialists determine the best treatment option for your body to start healing.

Non-Healing Wounds Infographic

What do I do when a wound won’t heal?

Fortunately, there are many treatments available, including non-surgical therapies and minimally invasive techniques to preserve the limb, prevent amputation, promote the healing of wounds, and improve circulation.

When do I seek immediate medical attention?

  • Early signs of a threatened extremity: If your legs or feet are feeling cooler in temperature, you notice loss of hair on your legs, or have slow growing toenails
  • Progressive signs of a threatened extremity: If you begin to develop numbness, weakness, or small ulcers or sores on your toes, feet, or lower legs
  • Severe signs of a threatened extremity: You should schedule an urgent appointment as soon as possible if you have sharp pain in your foot at rest, black/darkened toes, or severe toe, foot, or leg ulcers or sores that won’t heal

For more information, contact our Limb Preservation and Amputation Prevention Program Director Jamie Beffort, RN at (512) 323-5873.

Written by: Jeffrey Apple, MD | Last Reviewed 8 Mar 2024

Summary
Service Type
Non-Healing Wound Treatment
Provider Name
Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeons,
1010 West 40th Street,Austin,Texas-78756,
Telephone No.512-459-8753
Area
Austin, Texas
Description
Non-healing wounds or sores on your legs and feet may be a sign of serious vascular disease. Prevent amputation with the help of our team in Central Texas.