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Hill Country Wound Care And Hyperbarics

What Is a Chronic Non-Healing Wound? When to See a Specialist in San Antonio

If It’s Been Weeks and Your Wound Still Isn’t Healing, You’re Not Alone
 

It’s easy to assume a wound will heal on its own. But when weeks go by with no improvement, or the wound gets worse, it may be more than just slow healing. You could be dealing with a chronic non-healing wound, which requires specialized care to treat effectively.
 

At Hill Country Wound Care & Hyperbarics, we see this every day: patients who’ve tried creams, antibiotics, or even ER visits, but still haven’t found relief. The good news? Advanced wound care is available right here in San Antonio, and we’re here to help.
 

From hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) and negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) to cellular and tissue-based products, our physician-led clinics offer the most advanced outpatient treatment options in the region.

1. What Is a Chronic Non-Healing Wound?

A wound is considered chronic when it shows little or no progress toward healing after 30 days. These wounds may remain open, become infected, or fail to form new tissue, despite your best efforts to keep them clean.

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What causes this?

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Most often, chronic wounds are the result of poor circulation, infection, pressure, or underlying conditions like diabetes. They can appear as:

  • Diabetic foot ulcers

  • Pressure injuries (bedsores)

  • Post-surgical or trauma wounds

  • Radiation-related injuries

  • Skin graft complications

 

If you’ve been told to “just keep an eye on it,” but things aren’t getting better, it’s time to seek specialized care.

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Learn more about Diabetic Foot Ulcer Treatment.

wound care consultation without referral at San Antonio clinic

2. Why Some Wounds Don’t Heal on Their Own

Even healthy bodies need the right conditions to heal. For patients with chronic wounds, underlying health issues often block that process.

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Some of the most common reasons wounds stop healing include:

  • Diabetes, which affects circulation and nerve function

  • Poor blood flow from arterial or venous insufficiency

  • Infection that delays tissue regeneration

  • Radiation damage from past cancer treatment

  • Pressure or immobility, often seen in elderly or bed-bound patients

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And in many cases, wounds are made worse by delayed care, incorrect dressings, or lack of follow-up.

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Explore our Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.
Learn about NPWT (Wound Vac).

3. Signs It’s Time to See a Wound Care Specialist

It’s not always easy to know when to escalate care. If you're experiencing any of the following, it's time to see a specialist:

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  • No improvement after 2–4 weeks

  • Increased pain, redness, or drainage

  • Swelling, foul odor, or warmth around the wound

  • Visible bone, tendon, or deep tissue

  • Bleeding, especially in radiation-related injuries

  • You've tried treatments before and they haven’t worked

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Prompt care prevents complications and gets you back on the path to healing.

4. What a Specialist Can Do That Others Can’t

Wound care specialists go beyond standard treatments to identify and solve the underlying causes of chronic wounds. At Hill Country, that starts with:

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  • Diagnostic testing, such as vascular Dopplers, imaging, and lab work

  • Tailored treatment plans based on your wound type, health status, and healing goals

  • Advanced therapies, including:

    • Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

    • Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT)

    • Cellular and tissue-based products

    • Sharp debridement

  • On-site physician oversight every step of the way

 

We also coordinate directly with your primary care provider, podiatrist, or specialist to ensure continuity of care.

5. Why Early Treatment Matters

The longer you wait, the harder it gets to heal. Chronic wounds are not only painful. They also increase your risk of:

  • Serious infection

  • Amputation

  • Hospitalization

  • Long-term disability

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Seeing a wound care specialist early leads to:

✅ Faster healing
✅ Fewer complications
✅ Reduced healthcare costs
✅ Improved quality of life

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Don’t wait for your wound to get worse. Intervene early and give your body the best chance to heal.

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Don’t Wait. Get Help for Your Non-Healing Wound in San Antonio.

If your wound hasn’t improved after two weeks, it’s time to get expert care. At Hill Country Wound Care & Hyperbarics, our physician-led team helps you heal faster, without hospital stays or long delays.

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We offer same-week appointments at:

📍 Live Oak 📍 SW San Antonio 📍 Bulverde

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re searching “Do I need a referral for wound care in San Antonio?”, you’re not alone. Many patients wait too long to get help simply because they think they need a referral or don’t know where to begin. The truth is: you can schedule wound care without a referral at Hill Country Wound Care & Hyperbarics.

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We welcome self-referred patients at all three of our outpatient wound clinics in San Antonio, no paperwork or prior approval required. Whether you’re recovering from surgery, managing a diabetic foot ulcer, or noticing signs that your wound isn’t healing, our physician-led team is here to help you get the care you need, quickly, safely, and compassionately. These FAQs will help answer your most common concerns about referrals, insurance, and how to get started.

  • Yes. Hill Country accepts patients without a referral. You can call or schedule online today.

  • Absolutely. We coordinate with your full care team after your first visit to ensure continuity of care.

  • Usually, yes. Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover wound care and HBOT without a referral. We’ll verify everything beforehand.

  • Diabetic ulcers, radiation injuries, pressure wounds, post-surgical wounds, and more. If it’s not healing, we can help.

  • Most patients are scheduled within a few days, depending on location. We also offer urgent evaluations for high-risk wounds.

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