When something goes wrong with the healing of our wounds, we often jump to the conclusion that perhaps the injury wasn’t dressed correctly or maybe some dirt got in it. But we shouldn’t count out our lifestyle factors as the possible cause of our delayed healing. Yes, things like fitness and diet can impact wound healing.
We must not forget our whole body is connected in the recovery process, and so nurturing good general health will help wounds to heal quicker. Usually, wounds – due to injury or surgery – heal steadily, but if they don’t heal within 30 days, they are considered chronic. They become chronic because certain wound healing factors have interrupted the healing process.
6 Common Factors Affecting Wound Healing
- Age: Research has shown that people over the age of 60 may have delayed wound healing. At this age, not only are there physical changes happening in the body, but often there are also comorbidities, and these can then decrease the body’s inflammatory response – amongst others.
- Weight: Heavier people usually have reduced physical activity and heart health. This leads to a deterioration in cardiovascular strength, which then causes a lack of oxygen to the body’s organs and extremities. The outcome of this is slower general functioning and diminished tissue oxygenation. And, wounds require oxygen for real healing and recovery.
- Diet: Your body needs resources – like nutrients and vitamins – to heal correctly. Infections are said to increase the protein and caloric needs of a person and release vast amounts of protein daily – especially in the case of large pressure ulcers. So if your body is low on calories, it will start to break down protein for energy – leading to the inability for your body to heal itself well.
- Type of Wound: The type of wound you have will affect how quickly you heal. It makes sense that more extensive wounds will take longer, but the shape of your wound is important too. Linear wounds will heal faster than rectangular wounds. The slowest to recover? Wounds that have necrotic tissue, desiccation, and foreign bodies.
- Infection: All wounds that involve broken skin can allow bacteria, virus, or fungus to enter the wound. Usually, these microorganisms are overtaken and removed by your immune system, but if they are not, they will need further treatment or the administration of antibiotics.
- Chronic Diseases: Chronic diseases such as diabetes or ones that affect the circulatory system may impede wound healing. For your body to heal, it needs good blood flow. If your body struggles with this, it may need further therapeutic mediation.
How HBOT Can Help Wound Healing
The type of wound and its healing context will control the level of care needed. If you are struggling with a wound or find your body’s wound-healing capabilities are compromised, then hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is your best bet. HBOT is a unique type of wound care scientifically proven to enhance healing and health. So, if your second-degree burn, bacterial infection, or other injuries simply won’t respond to standard healing treatments, HBOT at our wound healing center could be just what you need.
The wound care specialists at R3 Wound Care and Hyperbarics will work to assess each patient and then recommend the right treatment plan for them based on their condition. Each of our four clinic locations has state of the art equipment, skilled wound care specialists, and a comfortable atmosphere. At R3 Wound Care & Hyperbarics, our primary function is wound care treatment, and we are independent of any hospital. You don’t even need a referral from a doctor to make an appointment or receive treatment.
If you think that you present any of the factors delaying wound healing and would like to give HBOT a try, contact us. We have locations in the main metropolitan areas of Texas including Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio.