The 4 Most Common Chronic Wounds We Treat

A chronic wound is any wound that does not heal in the expected timeframe, typically defined as non-healing for more than 30 days. Left untreated, these wounds can become infected, recur, and lead to serious complications. The good news is that with specialized, wound-certified care delivered in the home, most chronic wounds can heal faster and stay healed. Here are the four most common chronic wounds we treat at Esperta Health, what causes them, and how we approach each one.

Arterial (ischemic) ulcers

Arterial or ischemic ulcers are wounds that form when blood cannot flow well through narrow or damaged arteries. They usually appear on the legs, feet, or toes and are often caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition in which the vessels carrying blood to the legs and feet become narrow or blocked. When tissue does not get enough oxygen and nutrients, it begins to break down, resulting in an open wound. Because arterial ulcers signal an underlying circulation problem, they need careful assessment and a treatment plan built around restoring and protecting blood flow. Learn more about how we treat arterial wounds.

Diabetic foot ulcers

A diabetic foot ulcer is a wound anywhere on the foot, including the toes, in a person with diabetes. High blood sugar over time can cause nerve damage and reduced blood flow, which means a small blister or cut can go unnoticed and quickly become a serious wound. Diabetic foot ulcers are one of the leading causes of lower-limb amputation, which is why early, consistent, specialized care matters so much. Our clinicians focus on offloading pressure, managing infection risk, and monitoring healing closely. See more on diabetic foot ulcer care.

Pressure injuries

A pressure injury, sometimes called a bed sore or pressure ulcer, is damaged skin and tissue that develops from sustained pressure, usually over bony areas such as the elbows, hips, buttocks, ankles, and heels. They are common in people with limited mobility and can worsen rapidly without proper repositioning, skin care, and wound management. Treating pressure injuries in the home lets our clinicians address the wound and the daily conditions that caused it. Learn more about pressure injury and bed sore care.

Venous leg ulcers

A venous leg ulcer is a wound on the lower leg, ankle, or foot that does not heal because of vein disease, also called venous insufficiency or venous stasis. When the valves in the leg veins do not work properly, blood pools in the lower leg, raising pressure and breaking down the skin. Venous ulcers are the most common type of leg ulcer and have a high recurrence rate without ongoing management such as compression therapy. Our team builds a plan to heal the wound and reduce the chance it returns. Learn more about venous leg ulcer care.

How Esperta improves healing outcomes

Each of these wounds presents unique challenges and requires specialized care to promote healing and prevent complications. With a tailored treatment plan delivered by a wound-certified clinician, we reduce the average healing time for common chronic wounds by about 20 percent. Overall, 91 percent of the wounds we treat heal within 90 days, compared with roughly 51 percent under the standard model. Broken out by wound type, our results include:

• 78% of diabetic wounds healed within 90 days
• 75% of pressure wounds healed within 90 days
• 68% of venous leg wounds healed within 90 days

By delivering comprehensive care at home, our clinicians tailor treatment to each patient’s exact needs, addressing the specific challenges of arterial ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, pressure injuries, and venous leg ulcers while reducing healing times and improving outcomes.

Frequently asked questions about chronic wounds

What is considered a chronic wound?

A chronic wound is one that has not healed as expected, generally after 30 days or more. Arterial ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, pressure injuries, and venous leg ulcers are the most common types.

Why won’t my wound heal?

Wounds often stall because of an underlying issue such as poor circulation, diabetes, sustained pressure, or vein disease, or because they are not receiving consistent, specialized care. Identifying and treating that root cause is what allows a stalled wound to start healing again.

Can chronic wounds be treated at home?

Yes. Esperta delivers advanced wound care in the home through wound-certified clinicians, which removes travel barriers and supports the consistent, frequent care chronic wounds need to heal.

How long does a chronic wound take to heal?

Healing time depends on the wound type, its severity, and the patient’s overall health. With specialized care, 91 percent of the wounds we treat heal within 90 days, well above the industry benchmark.

Concerned about a wound that won’t heal? Contact our team to learn how Esperta brings expert wound care to the home.