When Is it Time to Consider Wound Healing Help?

A foot wound isn't something many people worry about. Still, if you have diabetes or neuropathy, it’s a real problem. It's essential to know when to seek treatment for a wound to prevent infection and other complications.

Dr. Jefferey E. McAlister provides skin biologics and wound care to patients at his practice, Phoenix Foot and Ankle Institute, in Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona. He's an experienced foot and ankle specialist who offers various treatments for non-healing and diabetic wounds.

How do wounds heal?

The wound healing process is complex, no matter where it happens in the body. It involves stopping bleeding, cleaning the wound, rebuilding damaged tissue, and creating new scar tissue.

The first step in wound healing is homeostasis. This process focuses on stopping bleeding and sending platelets to form clots to begin the healing process. Homeostasis happens within minutes of a wound being formed.

Inflammation is the next healing stage, during which white blood cells go to the wound to clear out debris and bacteria, preventing infection. The inflammatory stage requires more blood flow, so a wound appears red or swollen.

The proliferation stage focuses on rebuilding tissue and creating new skin cells. New blood vessels form, which allows new tissue to fill the wound.

Maturation is the last stage, during which the wound strengthens, scar tissue forms, and collagen provides extra stability.

Symptoms that warrant treatment

Most wounds heal within a few weeks of the initial injury; minor wounds may only take two weeks, while larger injuries take up to a month or more. However, if a wound takes four weeks to heal, we consider it a chronic wound.

Various factors affect wound healing, including the size and location, and chronic health issues like diabetes and neuropathy. But wounds that don't seem to heal require professional care.

Some signs signal that a wound requires professional care, and they include the following:

Signs of infection

Wound infections can be serious without proper treatment. Look for signs like redness, warmth, and discolored drainage from the wound, which all signal a possible infection.

Systemic symptoms, including chills, fever, and nausea or vomiting, may also become apparent. Without fast and effective treatments, an infection can spread throughout the body.

Slow-healing wounds

Most wounds begin healing immediately, unless you're living with diabetes or neuropathy. These conditions reduce blood flow and essential nutrients to the wound, which causes a slower healing time.

If your wound doesn't seem to improve after a few weeks of home care, it's essential to seek professional care to avoid serious complications.

Significant pain or swelling

A wound may hurt briefly while it heals, but the pain shouldn't last. Pain that continues or swelling that worsens are key signs of needing treatment for a wound.

Discolored skin

Skin discoloration is a sign that a wound isn't healing correctly. Black or brown coloration is a sign of dead skin tissue, which could lead to significant problems on the feet and toes. Other colors that warrant a trip to see us are red and purple.

Deep or large wounds

Small foot and ankle wounds may not seem like a big deal, but if they get larger, or if you start with a big wound, getting help is a good idea. Deep or large wounds can affect more than just the skin; tendons and other structures could also suffer damage.

Any deep or large wound may require professional treatments to ensure the site heals properly and you avoid infections.

Numbness

People with neuropathy or diabetes are at risk for numbness in their feet and toes, which may prevent them from seeing a wound. However, wounds that cause numbness are also a problem.

Anytime you have neurologic symptoms along with a wound, it's essential to seek professional help to avoid dangerous complications.

Call Phoenix Foot and Ankle Institute today to schedule a wound care appointment, or request a consultation on our website.