What is a chronic wound?
"Saving Lives and Saving Limbs!"
A chronic wound is a break in the skin that fails to heal properly within the expected timeframe, typically lasting more than 4–6 weeks despite standard medical treatment. Unlike acute wounds, which heal naturally through the body’s normal repair processes, chronic wounds remain stuck in the inflammatory phase of healing due to poor blood flow (ischemia), infection, or underlying conditions like diabetes, venous insufficiency, or pressure-related tissue damage. These wounds can become ulcerated, necrotic (dead tissue may form), and highly susceptible to infection, increasing the risk of serious complications such as osteomyelitis (bone infection), sepsis (systemic infection), and even amputation. Because they do not heal on their own, chronic wounds require advanced wound care strategies, including debridement (removal of dead tissue), infection control, and regenerative treatments like amniotic membrane skin substitutes to stimulate new tissue growth and promote closure.
If you or a loved one is suffering from a non-healing wound, don’t wait—contact Wound Care Now at greg@wcnclinics.com. Early intervention can prevent serious complications and save lives. Let Wound Care Now connect you with a chronic wound care specialist today to explore advanced treatment options and start the healing process.
The Impact of Chronic Wounds
Chronic, non-healing wounds are a silent epidemic with devastating consequences, affecting approximately 8.2 million Americans and costing the healthcare system over $25 billion annually. These wounds, often caused by diabetes, vascular disease, or immobility, significantly diminish quality of life, leading to severe pain, infection, and even limb loss. Studies show that up to 25% of diabetic patients will develop a foot ulcer, and of those, one in five will require an amputation. The outlook after amputation is grim—nearly 50% of patients die within five years, a mortality rate worse than many cancers. Beyond the physical toll, chronic wounds place an immense emotional and financial burden on families, as caregivers struggle to manage complex wound care while patients battle isolation and declining health. These statistics highlight the urgent need for advanced treatments, such as amniotic membrane skin substitutes, to improve healing outcomes and save lives.
Types of Chronic Wounds
Traumatic Wounds that Become Chronic – Injuries such as burns, lacerations, or crush injuries that do not heal properly due to infection, poor circulation, or underlying health issues.
