Why a wound can stall
Condition guide
Non-Healing Foot Ulcer
A foot wound that is not closing or improving needs a timely review of pressure, infection, circulation and diabetes-related risk.
Do not continue self-treating a wound that is not improving, has discharge or odour, is becoming more painful, or changes colour. A diabetic foot ulcer may worsen without severe pain.
Understanding the concern
The visible symptom is only part of the clinical picture.
A foot wound that is not closing or improving needs a timely review of pressure, infection, circulation and diabetes-related risk. Healing may be delayed by repeated pressure, infection, reduced circulation, high blood glucose, swelling, poor footwear fit or non-viable tissue. More than one of these factors may be present at the same time.
Clinical context
Symptoms and signs
Small changes deserve attention.
A structured assessment
Treatment and follow-up
Causes and risk factors
Several factors can come together.
Healing may be delayed by repeated pressure, infection, reduced circulation, high blood glucose, swelling, poor footwear fit or non-viable tissue. More than one of these factors may be present at the same time.
A structured assessment
Treatment and follow-up
When to seek prompt care
Do not wait for symptoms to become severe.
Do not continue self-treating a wound that is not improving, has discharge or odour, is becoming more painful, or changes colour. A diabetic foot ulcer may worsen without severe pain.
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.
A structured assessment: The team assesses the wound, surrounding skin, sensation, circulation, footwear and relevant medical history. This helps guide the appropriate wound-care, pressure-management and referral pathway.
Treatment and follow-up: Care may involve debridement, selected dressings, offloading, infection management, vascular assessment and regular review. The plan changes according to how the wound and the person respond.
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 non-healing foot ulcer 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.