Chronic Wounds & Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Diagnosis & Reconstructive Treatment
A clear guide to chronic non-healing wounds and diabetic foot ulcers, covering causes, wound care and reconstructive surgery.
Treatment usually begins with
Wound Assessment
Circulation & Sugar Control Review
Advanced Wound Care
Reconstructive Surgery (if needed)
Treatment combines control of underlying causes like blood sugar and circulation with structured wound care and, when needed, reconstructive surgery.
You may need this evaluated if...
A chronic wound evaluation is recommended when these signs appear:
- A wound that has not healed within a few weeks
- A foot ulcer in someone with diabetes
- Increasing wound size, discharge or odour
- Reduced sensation around the wound site
Chronic wounds are treatable with the right combination of medical management and specialised wound or reconstructive care.
What is Chronic Non-Healing Wounds & Diabetic Foot Ulcers?
A chronic non-healing wound fails to progress through normal healing stages, often due to poor circulation, uncontrolled diabetes, infection or pressure, and needs a structured, multidisciplinary approach.
Underlying Cause Must Be Addressed
Healing improves significantly once contributing factors like blood sugar or circulation are managed.
Diabetic Foot Ulcers Need Special Care
Reduced sensation in diabetes means small wounds can worsen unnoticed.
Advanced Wound Care Options
Debridement, dressings and, when needed, grafts or flaps support healing.
Team-Based Management
Plastic surgery works alongside diabetology and vascular specialists for the best outcome.
Common Signs
- A wound not healing within the expected time
- Increasing redness, swelling or discharge
- Foul odour from the wound
- Reduced or absent sensation around the area
What Increases Your Risk
A combination of medical, genetic and lifestyle factors can increase the likelihood of this condition.
How It Is Diagnosed
A detailed clinical examination confirms the diagnosis and helps plan the right reconstructive or aesthetic approach.
Wound Assessment
Evaluates wound size, depth, tissue type and signs of infection.
Circulation Assessment
Checks blood flow to the affected area, particularly important in the foot.
Blood Sugar & Nutritional Review
Identifies factors that may be slowing healing.
Treatment Approaches
Conservative Care
- Regular wound debridement and advanced dressings
- Blood sugar and circulation optimisation
- Offloading pressure from the wound area
Surgical Care
Skin grafting or flap surgery provides durable wound cover when a chronic wound does not respond to conservative care, restoring skin integrity and reducing recurrence risk.
Treatment decisions are based on the extent of the condition, your goals and overall health, not a single test.
Know When to Act
Recognising these signs early and acting promptly leads to better functional and aesthetic outcomes.
Book an Assessment
Schedule a consultation for a routine evaluation or ongoing concern.
- A wound not healing within a few weeks
- A new foot ulcer in someone with diabetes
Seek Urgent Care
Reach out for emergency care immediately if you notice any of the following.
- Spreading redness, fever or foul-smelling discharge from a wound
Not Sure What You Need?
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