Why Some Wounds Stop Healing & How HBOT Can Help

Chronic wounds affect nearly 2.5% of the population and become more common with age, making them a growing health concern. While most cuts, surgical incisions, and tissue injuries heal within a few weeks, some stop making progress because the body is not getting enough oxygen where it is needed most. 

Read on to learn how tissue hypoxia can lead to non-healing wounds, how hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatments can help chronic wounds heal, and where to find the best chronic wound treatment in Marietta. 

What Is Tissue Hypoxia and Why Does It Prevent Wounds From Healing?

Every wound depends on a steady supply of oxygen to move through the healing process. Oxygen gives cells the energy they need to repair damaged tissue, build new blood vessels, and produce collagen, which helps strengthen healing skin. Adequate oxygen supply also supports white blood cells as they fight bacteria that can lead to infection. When oxygen levels drop because blood cannot reach the wound effectively, the natural repair processes slow way down. This can cause the wound to stay open longer, produce more drainage, or become more vulnerable to infection. 

What Causes Chronic Wounds and Poor Oxygen Supply?

Many chronic wounds develop because an underlying health condition limits blood flow and oxygen delivery:

• Diabetes is one condition that can damage small blood vessels and nerves, making it harder for oxygen-rich blood to reach injured tissue
• Peripheral artery disease is another condition that affects how oxygen reaches tissues by narrowing the arteries that supply blood to the legs and feet
• Chronic venous insufficiency allows blood to pool in the lower legs, increasing swelling and slowing circulation
• Smoking also reduces the amount of oxygen carried through the bloodstream and damages blood vessels over time
• Infection and ongoing swelling place even greater stress on healing tissue by increasing its oxygen demand

What Are the Signs That a Wound Isn't Healing Properly?

A wound that changes very little over several weeks always deserves medical attention. Many experts consider a wound chronic when it has not healed after four weeks or has not significantly improved despite appropriate care. Other warning signs include: 

• Increasing drainage
• An unpleasant odor
• Redness that spreads into the surrounding skin
• Persistent pain or tissue that appears dark or unhealthy

Some wounds may heal partially before reopening. These symptoms often point to poor circulation, infection, or inadequate oxygen reaching the damaged tissue. 

How Does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Improve Oxygen Delivery to Chronic Wounds?

The first step is identifying why oxygen is not reaching the wound. To do this, a wound care specialist can evaluate blood flow with vascular testing, measure oxygen levels around the wound, or look for signs of infection and swelling. Treatment for chronic wounds in Marietta is then tailored to address specific needs, such as: 

• Removing dead tissue through debridement, thereby promoting healthy tissue growth
• Treating infection to reduce the body's oxygen demand
• Compression therapy to help improve circulation in certain venous wounds
• Enhanced nutrition and blood sugar control for additional support in healing

Most chronic wound treatment in Marietta also includes hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which involves breathing 99.7% medical-grade oxygen in a pressurized chamber. This treatment increases the amount of oxygen carried in the blood, so more reaches damaged tissue and supports the body's natural healing process.

Can Chronic Wounds Heal Once Tissue Hypoxia Is Treated?

Healing takes time because damaged tissue needs time to rebuild, but most chronic wounds begin to improve once oxygen delivery is restored and the underlying cause is addressed. Getting expert treatment for non-healing wounds in Marietta, keeping blood sugar under control, eating enough protein and nutrients, avoiding tobacco, and attending regular follow-up visits all support better outcomes. Preventing new wounds is equally important for people with diabetes or circulation problems because they remain at higher risk for future skin injuries. Getting care from hyperbaric therapy experts in Marietta can help ensure wounds have the best chance of healing before serious complications develop.

Finding the Best Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Marietta for Healing Chronic Wounds

Hyperbaric Physicians of Georgia offers physician-led care, including advanced hyperbaric oxygen therapy and comprehensive wound management, to help restore the oxygen your body needs to heal. We are accredited with distinction by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS), have maintained a 100% safety record since 2017, and follow rigorous medical and safety protocols using FDA-approved equipment. Patients from across Metro Atlanta and North Georgia trust our team at our convenient locations in Marietta, Cumming, and Sandy Springs for experienced, evidence-based care. 

If you have a wound that isn't healing, we’re here to help with the best treatment for chronic wounds in Marietta.