Healing time
The healing time of crush injuries depends on their size and extent. Smaller wounds usually heal completely and without scarring within a few days to 2 weeks with good treatment. Larger wounds can quickly become infected and have complications that prolong the healing process.
If the wound is not cleaned and treated regularly, a large infected wound can take several months to heal completely. In addition, scars are often left behind. Patients with diabetes or vascular diseases (pAVK) often have a wound healing disorder. As a result, large crush wounds cannot be closed and they must be cleaned and closed in several operations.
When do I have to go to the doctor?
Smaller wounds usually heal within 2 weeks and do not lead to any complications. Therefore no doctor needs to be consulted. For large wounds that cause severe pain and swelling, it is advisable to consult a doctor.
Even if there is no improvement after a few days despite good cooling and ointment bandage, a doctor can help. The same applies to movement restrictions and sensory disorders. If there is a reddening around the wound or the patient gets a fever, this can be a sign for an infection of the wound.
In this case a doctor should be consulted immediately. As a rule, it is sufficient to consult a general practitioner. A general surgeon can also help.
The emergency doctor should only be called in absolute emergencies. Crush wounds usually heal without complications if treated well and there is no reduction in life expectancy.
