When Wounds Don’t Heal: The Vascular Connection Patients Should Know

A wound that doesn’t heal is more than a skin problem, it’s often a circulation problem.
Healing requires oxygen, nutrients, and immune support, all delivered through healthy blood flow. When circulation is impaired, wounds stall, reopen, or worsen.

Why Circulation Matters for Healing

Without adequate blood flow:

• New tissue can’t form
• Infection risk increases
• Healing slows or stops entirely

This is why treating a wound without addressing circulation often leads to frustration and recurrence.

Different Wounds, Different Causes

Not all wounds are the same:

• Arterial wounds result from poor blood flow to the area
• Venous wounds occur when blood doesn’t flow back efficiently
• Diabetic ulcers often involve both circulation problems and nerve damage

Understanding the cause is essential to healing.

Warning Signs to Watch For

Seek evaluation if a wound:

• Has not improved in 2–4 weeks
• Is painful or increasingly swollen
• Shows color changes or drainage
• Occurs alongside numbness or leg pain

The Takeaway

A slow-healing wound is your body signaling a deeper issue. Addressing circulation early can prevent infection, hospitalization, and limb loss.