Chronic wounds
/kɹɑnɪk/ /wundz/
1. [noun] a chronic wound develops when any acute wound fails to heal in the expected time frame for that type of wound, which might be a couple of weeks or up to six weeks in some cases. Ulcers are the most common type of chronic wounds: Arterial ulcers: These can occur from hypertension, atherosclerosis (plugging) and thrombosis (clotting), where the reduced blood supply leads to an ischemic state. Venous ulcers: These account for more than half of ulcer cases, especially in the lower limbs (mainly the legs) as associated with deep vein thrombosis, varicose veins and venous hypertension. Venous ulcers can lead to stasis, where the blood fails to circulate normally. Diabetic ulcers: These are a common complication in uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, resulting in impaired immune function, ischemia (due to poor blood circulation) and neuropathy (nerve damage), which eventually lead to breakage of skin and ulceration. Pressure ulcers: The constant pressure and friction resulting from body weight over a localized area for prolonged duration can lead to breakage of skin and ulceration (also known as bed sores); especially on the back and on the ankles and feet. See: https://www.woundcarecenters.org/article/wound-types/chronic-wounds ; Accessed May 8 2109 Chronic wounds do not progress through the healing process in a timely manner. Chronic leg and foot ulcers occur in adults with vascular disease or diabetes and are primarily a result of chronic venous insufficiency, arterial disease, prolonged pressure or neuropathy and are most predominate among the elderly. Chronic wounds can be classified as vascular ulcers ( e.g. , venous and arterial ulcers), diabetic ulcers, and pressure ulcers (PUs). Some common features shared by each of these wounds include prolonged or excessive inflammation, persistent infections, formation of drug-resistant microbial biofilms, and the inability of dermal and/or epidermal cells to respond to reparative stimuli. In aggregate, these pathophysiologic phenomena result in the failure of these wounds to heal. See: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4528992/ ; Accessed May 8 2019
Source: https://www.woundcarecenters.org/article/wound-types/chronic-wounds
Frequently Asked Questions
How can everyday activities like prolonged standing trigger persistent foot sores?
Standing for long periods increases pressure in the feet, which may worsen underlying circulation issues. Over time, even minor skin breaks can become chronic because the expected healing process is disrupted.
Why might repeated minor injuries on the foot develop into chronic wounds?
Repeated minor injuries can challenge the normal healing process when compounded by conditions such as reduced blood flow or nerve damage. Over time, this can lead to a wound that fails to resolve in the typical time frame.
In what way does the term 'ulcer' aid in understanding chronic foot conditions?
The word 'ulcer' comes from Latin 'ulcus' meaning sore, and is commonly used to describe slow-healing lesions on the foot. This term emphasizes that underlying issues, like vascular problems or neuropathy, often contribute to their persistence.