Looking beyond the wound surface
Condition guide
Chronic Wound
A wound that remains open or repeatedly breaks down needs a cause-led assessment rather than repeated dressing changes alone.
A wound with spreading redness, swelling, discharge, odour, dark tissue or fever needs urgent medical attention.
Understanding the concern
The visible symptom is only part of the clinical picture.
A wound that remains open or repeatedly breaks down needs a cause-led assessment rather than repeated dressing changes alone. Chronic wounds can be affected by pressure, blood flow, infection, swelling, diabetes, nutrition, mobility and the health of the surrounding skin. Identifying the cause is an important part of treatment planning.
Clinical context
Symptoms and signs
Small changes deserve attention.
Clinical pathway
Healing needs review
Causes and risk factors
Several factors can come together.
Chronic wounds can be affected by pressure, blood flow, infection, swelling, diabetes, nutrition, mobility and the health of the surrounding skin. Identifying the cause is an important part of treatment planning.
Clinical pathway
Healing needs review
When to seek prompt care
Do not wait for symptoms to become severe.
A wound with spreading redness, swelling, discharge, odour, dark tissue or fever needs urgent medical attention.
MMC evaluation
Assessment follows the whole clinical picture.
A clinician reviews the symptoms, skin, sensation, circulation, pressure, footwear and relevant medical history before recommending the next step.
Relevant care pathways
Care is matched to the condition and the person.
Clinical pathway: Assessment may include wound measurement, tissue review, infection screening, circulation evaluation and pressure or footwear review. Further tests or referral may be recommended where appropriate.
Healing needs review: A chronic wound plan may include wound-bed preparation, appropriate dressings, pressure reduction, infection management and scheduled review. Timelines and outcomes differ for every individual.
Protect your feet between reviews.
Keep changes protected, avoid unadvised self-treatment and seek advice if symptoms worsen or do not improve.
The next step should be clear.
A timely assessment helps match care to the diagnosis, risk and practical needs of the person.
Common questions
When should I seek medical advice?+
A new wound, spreading redness, swelling, discharge, odour, colour change, or a hot, cold or painful foot should be assessed promptly. If you feel very unwell, seek urgent or emergency care.
How is the right pathway chosen?+
A clinician considers the diagnosis, symptoms, skin or wound, sensation, circulation, pressure, footwear, medical history and your goals before recommending next steps.
What should I bring to an appointment?+
Bring recent reports, a medication list, details or photographs of changes over time and your usual footwear when relevant.
Continue the care journey
The right next step depends on the clinical picture.
Explore the related pathways that may be discussed after assessment.
Make an appointment
A changing chronic wound deserves a careful clinical review.
Our team can help you understand what needs assessment and what information to bring. Diagnosis and treatment depend on an in-person review.
Specialist assessmentClear next stepsIndividual care planning
Dr. A. Nirupan Chakkaravarthy
Consultant Podiatrist · Limb Salvage Specialist
This guide is for general education and does not replace an in-person assessment.