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Why Is My Wound Not Healing?

A wound that refuses to heal is more than just frustrating—it can be a serious health concern. Whether it’s a surgical incision, a pressure ulcer, or a simple cut that won’t close, slow-healing wounds can lead to infections, chronic pain, and even long-term complications. If you’re asking yourself, “Why is my wound not healing?” it’s time to dig into the possible causes and, most importantly, the solutions.

The Science Behind Wound Healing

Your body naturally goes through a four-stage healing process:

  1. Hemostasis – The blood clots to stop bleeding.
  2. Inflammation – The body fights off bacteria and begins repairing tissue.
  3. Proliferation – New cells form to close the wound.
  4. Maturation – The wound strengthens and fully heals.

When a wound stays stuck in one of these stages—especially inflammation or proliferation—it won’t heal properly. But why does this happen?

Common Reasons Your Wound Won’t Heal

1. Poor Circulation

Blood flow is critical for wound healing. If your circulation is weak, your wound won’t get enough oxygen and nutrients to repair itself. This is especially common in people with:

  • Diabetes
  • Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
  • Chronic venous insufficiency

If you have cold feet, numbness, or swelling, circulation issues may be the culprit behind your slow-healing wound. Evaluation from a medical professional can provide recommendations to assist in wound healing. 

2. Infection

An infected wound won’t heal properly. Signs of infection include:

  • Increased redness and swelling
  • Foul-smelling or discolored drainage
  • Warmth around the wound
  • Persistent pain

If your wound is oozing yellow, green, or cloudy drainage, it’s likely infected and needs medical attention. A wound care specialist should be consulted to assist with diagnosis and treatment options. 

3. Excess Wound Drainage

Some drainage is normal, but if your wound is constantly leaking fluid, it could mean there’s too much moisture, preventing the new tissue from forming properly. If your wound is draining excessively, professional wound care can help manage it and speed up healing.

4. Underlying Health Conditions

Chronic illnesses can weaken your immune system and slow down the healing process. Some common conditions that cause non-healing wounds include:

  • Diabetes (especially foot ulcers)
  • Autoimmune disorders (like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis)
  • Kidney disease

If you have a health condition and your wound isn’t healing, specialized wound care may be necessary.

5. Pressure or Friction

If a wound is constantly rubbing against something (like a shoe on a foot sore or a bed on a pressure ulcer), healing can stall. People who are non-ambulatory or have limited mobility are especially at risk for pressure wounds. Consulting a wound care specialist to discuss using proper bandages, offloading techniques, or specialty grafts can help.

6. Dead Tissue (Necrosis)

A wound covered in black or yellow tissue (necrotic tissue) won’t heal on its own. This dead tissue must be removed through debridement, a process that clears the wound so new, healthy skin can grow.

Advanced Wound Care Solutions

If your wound has been open for more than 30 days without improvement, it’s time to seek expert care. At Advanced Wound Therapy, we specialize in advanced treatments like:

Placental Grafts

Placental tissue grafts help wounds close faster by providing growth factors and natural healing properties. We are one of the only providers in Oklahoma offering this cutting-edge treatment, and our method is uniquely designed to maximize healing.

Mobile Wound Care

We bring expert wound care directly to patients in big cities, small towns, and rural areas. This means no long drives or hospital visits—just high-quality care in the comfort of your home.

Personalized Treatment Plans

Every wound is different. Our specialists create customized healing plans based on your condition, health history, and lifestyle.

When to Seek Professional Help

You should see a wound care specialist if:

  • Your wound has not healed in 30 days or more
  • There is increased drainage, swelling, or foul odor
  • The wound site feels warm, painful, or tender
  • You have diabetes, poor circulation, or mobility issues

Ignoring a chronic wound can lead to serious complications, including infections and amputations. The sooner you seek treatment, the better your outcome.

Get the Healing You Deserve

At Advanced Wound Therapy, we restore hope to patients with chronic wounds. If you’ve been asking, “Why is my wound not healing?”, let our expert team provide the personalized, advanced treatment you need. Contact us today and take the first step toward recovery.

Experience the Advanced Wound Therapy Difference

Don't wait—get the expert wound care you need. Schedule your consultation with Advanced Wound Therapy today.

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2488 E 81st St.,
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Tulsa OK 74137
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4013 N.W. Expressway Suite 250
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73116
Monday - Friday
9am to 4pm
Saturday - Sunday
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