What is considered a chronic wound?

A chronic wound is one that fails to heal within 4–6 weeks despite appropriate standard care, often due to underlying conditions or external factors disrupting the normal healing process.

What types of chronic wounds are common in San Antonio?

Typical chronic wounds include diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers, pressure ulcers (bed sores), and arterial ulcers—each with distinct causes and healing challenges.

What are the symptoms of chronic wounds?

Symptoms often include persistent pain or discomfort, ongoing inflammation or swelling, recurrent or continuous infection, drainage or discharge, foul odor, and wounds that don’t improve despite care.

What causes chronic wounds and what are the risk factors?

Factors include poor circulation (from diabetes or vascular disease), immobility, persistent infection, nutritional deficiencies, and lifestyle factors like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

Which advanced treatments are offered for chronic wounds?

Treatments include hyperbaric oxygen therapy (delivering 10–15× more oxygen), cellular tissue products, negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), and custom advanced dressings to support healing.

How are chronic wounds diagnosed at Hill Country?

Diagnostic methods include comprehensive wound assessments, vascular testing (like Doppler ultrasound and angiography), and infection workup through tissue cultures or biopsies.

How can chronic wounds be prevented?

Prevention strategies include balanced nutrition, proper hygiene and wound care, regular foot exams, smoking cessation, and patient education to recognize early warning signs.

Why choose Hill Country Wound Care & Hyperbarics in San Antonio?

They offer expert, patient‑centered care with a multidisciplinary team using advanced, evidence‑based therapies, coordinated care, and personalized treatment plans.

Chronic Wound Care in San Antonio: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Chronic wounds significantly impact your health and quality of life, causing discomfort and limiting your mobility. At Hill Country Wound Care & Hyperbarics, our expert team provides comprehensive, patient-centered treatments designed to accelerate healing, prevent complications, and restore your quality of life.

What is a Chronic Wound?

A chronic wound is typically defined as a wound that has not healed after four to six weeks despite standard care. Unlike acute wounds, which heal predictably and quickly, chronic wounds persist due to underlying conditions or external factors that interfere with normal healing processes.

Chronic Wound Care in San Antonio: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Types of Chronic Wounds

Understanding the types of chronic wounds can help in determining the most effective treatments:

Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Common in diabetic patients due to neuropathy and vascular complications, primarily affecting the feet.
Venous Ulcers: Result from impaired venous return, typically occurring in the lower legs.
Pressure Ulcers (Bed Sores): Develop from prolonged pressure on the skin, affecting patients who are bedridden or wheelchair-bound.
Arterial Ulcers: Occur due to reduced blood supply, commonly affecting the feet and lower extremities.

Your Next Steps

Chronic wounds require specialized attention. If you or a loved one struggles with persistent wounds, don’t wait. Contact Hill Country Wound Care & Hyperbarics today for a comprehensive evaluation and begin your journey to effective healing and improved quality of life.

Take control of your wound healing and schedule your consultation today.

Symptoms of Chronic Wounds

Recognizing symptoms early is crucial for effective treatment. Typical symptoms include:

Persistent pain or discomfort
Chronic inflammation and swelling
Continuous or recurrent infection
Drainage or discharge from the wound
Unpleasant odor
Delayed healing despite regular care

If you experience these symptoms, immediate evaluation by a wound specialist is essential.

Causes and Risk Factors

Multiple factors contribute to the development and persistence of chronic wounds:

Poor Circulation: Conditions such as diabetes, peripheral artery disease, and venous insufficiency can restrict the essential nutrients and oxygen needed for healing.
Diabetes: High blood sugar impairs circulation and nerve function, complicating wound healing.
Immobility: Limited movement can lead to pressure ulcers due to prolonged pressure.
Infection: Persistent bacterial or fungal infections impede healing.
Nutritional Deficiencies: Adequate protein, vitamins, and minerals are vital for wound repair.
Lifestyle Choices: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption negatively impact circulation and healing.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

HBOT involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized environment, significantly enhancing the oxygen delivery to wounds. Normal air contains approximately 20% oxygen, while HBOT delivers 100% oxygen, boosting the oxygen supply by 10 to 15 times. HBOT:

Stimulates new blood vessel formation (angiogenesis)
Enhances oxygen delivery to damaged tissues
Reduces inflammation
Accelerates the healing of stubborn wounds

Cellular Tissue Products

Innovative biologic treatments promote faster tissue regeneration, combat infections, and support wound healing at a cellular level.

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT)

NPWT, or vacuum-assisted closure, facilitates healing by reducing swelling, drawing out excess fluids, and promoting blood flow and granulation tissue formation.

Advanced Wound Dressings

Customized dressings optimize moisture balance, protect against infections, and support faster healing.

Diagnosing Chronic Wounds

Accurate diagnosis involves a thorough evaluation. At Hill Country Wound Care & Hyperbarics, we offer:

Comprehensive Wound Assessments: Measurement and monitoring of wound characteristics.
Vascular Testing: Doppler ultrasound and angiography to assess blood flow.
Infection Identification: Tissue cultures and biopsies to determine the presence of infections.

Preventing Chronic Wounds

Effective wound management also involves preventive measures, which we emphasize through patient education:

Proper nutrition to support wound healing
Effective wound care and hygiene practices
Regular foot examinations, particularly important for diabetic patients
Lifestyle modifications, including smoking cessation

Why Choose Hill Country Wound Care & Hyperbarics?

Expertise: Our specialists possess extensive experience in treating chronic wounds and complex healing challenges.

Innovative Treatments: Advanced therapies and evidence-based practices tailored for each patient.
Patient-Centered Approach: Compassionate, personalized care focusing on restoring your health and quality of life.
Collaborative Care: Seamless integration with your primary and specialty healthcare providers.

Real-Life Impact

Many patients initially struggling with chronic wounds experience remarkable improvement with Hill Country's dedicated care. Our commitment to advanced wound care has helped countless individuals regain mobility, reduce pain, and prevent severe complications, such as infections and amputations.

Advanced Treatment Options

Hill Country provides state-of-the-art therapies specifically tailored to chronic wound care:

Comprehensive, Coordinated Care

Hill Country's multidisciplinary approach integrates specialists in wound care, hyperbaric medicine, podiatry, vascular surgery, nursing, and home health. Coordinated care ensures comprehensive treatment and effective long-term management.