Chronic Wounds: Causes and Treatment
Non-healing wounds can cause serious infections and extensive pain. They may also require hospitalization.
Comprehensive wound care can help facilitate healing in a variety of wounds, including pressure ulcers, diabetic ulcers and other non-healing wounds.
Most Common Causes of Chronic Wounds
When a wound has not properly healed after six weeks, it is considered chronic or non-healing. This is often due to underlying conditions or disorders that need to be addressed with additional medical care.
Some of the most common underlying causes for chronic wounds include:
- Diabetes
- Vascular Diseases (Peripheral Artery Disease)
- Limited Mobility
- Repeated Trauma to Wound Site
- Infection-Causing Bacteria (staphylococcus aureus)
- Edema (swelling)
Common types of chronic wounds include venous ulcers, arterial ulcers, diabetic ulcers and pressure ulcers.
Venous and Arterial Ulcers
Venous ulcers develop after damage to a vein, most commonly the veins in the legs and ankles. Varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency can contribute to the development of venous ulcers.
Arterial ulcers, also known as ischemic ulcers, are caused by a lack of oxygen-rich blood in the lower extremities. As an area is deprived of adequate blood flow, the skin and underlying tissues begin to die. This leads to an open wound.
Diabetic Wounds and Ulcers
Patients with diabetes have a 15% - 25% chance
of developing a chronic wound. This is because diabetes (high blood glucose levels) causes the arteries to stiffen and the blood vessels to narrow. This can cause poor circulation and limit the ability of red and white blood cells to travel to wound sites.
Diabetes can also cause peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage), especially in the legs, ankles and feet. This may cause lack of sensation and increase a person’s risk of sustaining wounds in the lower extremities.
Additionally, increased inflammation and immune system problems--both common side effects of diabetes--can also contribute to slow healing.
It is important for individuals with diabetes to perform regular self-checks for wounds, especially on the bottoms of the feet, ankles and hard-to-see parts of the legs. Diabetic foot care, including daily moisturizing and special socks and shoes, may be recommended to reduce the risk of foot wounds in diabetic individuals.
Pressure Ulcers
Pressure ulcers--previously called bedsores--are injuries to the skin that occur after prolonged pressure, friction and moisture on a part of the body. Typically, pressure ulcers occur in areas with bony prominences, such as the heels, ankles, coccyx, and hips.
When a part of the body comes in contact with a surface, like a chair or bed, for a long period of time, blood supply to that area is diminished. Over time, lack of oxygen-rich blood causes the cells to die and the skin to begin breaking down.
Untreated pressure ulcers are a serious concern. If left untreated, a pressure ulcer can reach deeper layers of the skin, including the muscle and bone. This can cause large, open wounds that expose the deepest structures of the body. Untreated pressure ulcers can also lead to osteomyelitis (infection of the bone) or sepsis, among other complications.
Pressure ulcers can occur in people of all ages, but are most likely to occur in individuals over 70 who have limited mobility.
Obesity, being confined to a bed due to injury or illness, urinary or bowel incontinence and diseases like diabetes increase the risk of developing pressure ulcers. People with poor nutrition are also at increased risk.
The occurrence of a pressure ulcer requires immediate medical care.
Wound Care at Pain Treatment Centers of America
Are you searching for wound care in Arkansas?
Pain Treatment Centers of America is proud to specialize in comprehensive wound care, including the treatment of non-healing pressure ulcers and pressure ulcers.
Learn more about wound care
or make your appointment with PTCOA by calling (844) 215-0731 today.
Pain is often associated with injury, arthritis, or another structural problem in the body. However, not all pain comes from damaged bones, joints, muscles, or tissues. Sometimes, the nervous system itself causes discomfort. This pain is called neuropathic pain and can greatly affect quality of life. At Pain Treatment Centers of America, we help patients determine the source of their symptoms and develop personalized plans to manage chronic nerve pain effectively. What Is Neuropathic Pain? Neuropathic pain happens when nerves are damaged, irritated, or dysfunctional. Unlike pain from injury or inflammation, it results from abnormal signaling within the nervous system. These disrupted signals cause the brain to sense pain even without ongoing tissue damage. Patients commonly describe neuropathic pain as burning, tingling, shooting, electric-like, or stabbing. Some may experience numbness, elevated sensitivity to touch, or pain that seems disproportionate to any physical findings. Common Causes of Neuropathic Pain Neuropathic pain can develop from a variety of conditions that affect the nerves or nervous system. Some common causes include: Diabetes-related nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy) Herniated discs are causing nerve compression Shingles and postherpetic neuralgia Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) Multiple sclerosis Spinal cord injuries Stroke-related nerve damage Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy Symptoms can vary widely, so proper evaluation is key for accurate diagnosis and efficient treatment. Neuropathic pain is often challenging to identify because imaging exams like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs may not always reveal the source of the problem. Patients may experience significant pain despite having slight structural abnormalities. A complete evaluation includes medical history, physical exam, neurological assessment, and diagnostic tests when needed. Identifying nerve involvement is critical because neuropathic pain often responds differently to treatment than musculoskeletal pain. Treatment Options for Neuropathic Pain Successful treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause when possible while reducing symptoms and improving function. Depending on the patient’s condition, treatment options may include: Medication management designed specifically for nerve pain Nerve block injections Physical therapy and rehabilitation Spinal cord stimulation Lifestyle alterations Interventional pain management procedures Many benefit from an approach that combines several therapies for the best outcomes. When to Seek Professional Care Persistent burning, tingling, numbness, or shooting pain should not be ignored. Early diagnosis and treatment prevent worsening symptoms and improve long-term outcomes. If you have ongoing pain not connected to a structural injury, it may be time to explore if neuropathic pain is the cause. An extensive evaluation can determine the source of your symptoms and identify the most effective treatments. Personalized Neuropathic Pain Treatment at Pain Treatment Centers of America At Pain Treatment Centers of America, we understand that chronic pain is complex and every patient’s experience is unique. Our team uses sophisticated diagnostic tools and evidence-based treatments to identify nerve-related pain and create individualized care plans to improve comfort, mobility, and quality of life. If you are experiencing persistent nerve pain symptoms, schedule a consultation with Pain Treatment Centers of America today. Together, we can develop a treatment plan designed to help you regain control of your daily activities and move toward lasting relief.
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Chronic or acute pain has the potential to significantly impact your daily life, making even everyday tasks a hassle. Pain Treatment Centers of America believes that knowing your medication options is a crucial step in building an appropriate, personal pain management strategy. While many treatment options are available, pharmacologic therapy has been the peak of comprehensive care. Types of Medications Used in Pain Management Pain medications are not universalized. The selection of the right prescription depends on the pain type, severity, and medical history. Common categories include: 1. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, tend to be the first line of defense for low levels of pain. They reduce swelling and provide comfort associated with conditions like arthritis, back pain, or joint injuries. In some patients, however, they can affect the stomach or kidneys. Therefore, careful studying and dosing guidance from a professional is key. 2. Acetaminophen Acetaminophen is mostly for general pain reduction and is sometimes combined with other treatments. Unlike NSAIDs, it doesn’t target swelling. Nonetheless, it can be effective for pain relief and daily improvement. 3. Muscle Relaxants For pain caused by muscle spasms or tension, muscle relaxants can provide relief. These medications work by calming overactive muscles and are usually prescribed for short-term use to prevent dependency or side effects. 4. Antidepressants and Anti-Seizure Medications Certain antidepressants and anti-seizure drugs can treat neuropathic (nerve) pain. They work by altering how the nervous system processes signals of pain throughout your body. Even if you do not experience depression or seizures, these medications assist with pain control. 5. Opioids Opioids are strong pain-relieving medications chosen for more potent pain when other options aren’t doing the trick. At Pain Treatment Centers of America, we practice strict guidelines to minimize risks, evaluate patient progress, and ensure healthy, responsible use. A combination of Opioids can be introduced to other treatments as part of a multimodal pain management plan. Personalized Pain Management The effectiveness of medications is best when combined with other therapies; physical therapy, interventional procedures, and lifestyle changes. We work closely with each patient to structure a plan that focuses on the root cause of pain, not just the signs. Every treatment plan is carefully engineered, giving thought to variables like medical history, existing conditions, and possible side effects. Patients are taught how to use the medication safely, dosing schedules, and expectations of each prescription. Take the Next Step Understanding your medication options enables you to take charge of your pain and improve your life overall. If you’re having issues with chronic or acute pain, our professionals at Pain Treatment Centers of America will gladly help. We mix the most up-to-date pharmacologic therapies with personalized care to provide comfort, improve function, and enhance your total well-being. Schedule a consultation today to learn which pain management medications are a good fit.
