Video: A Wound That Won’t Heal? Check Blood Flow First

If you have a wound on the foot or leg that is not healing, especially if you have diabetes, please do not assume it is only a skin problem. One of the most important questions is: is there actually enough blood reaching the wound?

Don't get me wrong, dressings are important, and antibiotics may be needed if there is infection. But if the circulation to the foot is poor, the wound may struggle to heal no matter how many dressings are done. This is why a vascular assessment can be so important before repeated wound care, and especially before any major decision like amputation.

We look for signs of poor blood flow, check pulses, and use tests like a hand-held Doppler, toe pressures, duplex ultrasound, or CT when needed. Sometimes improving the blood supply can change the whole treatment plan. So if a foot or leg wound is slow to heal, keeps coming back, becomes painful, turns black, or is associated with diabetes or poor circulation, get the blood flow checked early.