Pain is an accepted feature of chronic wounds. It is known to cause distress to the patient, and, this in turn can delay healing. This article summarises what is known about chronic wound pain: when it occurs, its assessment, and management. Indeed, every patient with a wound should have an individual pain management plan, including regular review and re-assessment. The occurrence of pain during the dressing change procedure has been highlighted as one of the most frequent causes. This knowledge can focus the practitioner towards reducing or avoiding pain, thus removing one of the barriers to healing, and, improving patient quality of life.

Pain is an accepted feature of chronic wounds. It is known to cause distress to the patient, and, this in turn can delay healing. This article summarises what is known about chronic wound pain: when it occurs, its assessment, and management. Indeed, every patient with a wound should have an individual pain management plan, including regular review and re-assessment. The occurrence of pain during the dressing change procedure has been highlighted as one of the most frequent causes. This knowledge can focus the practitioner towards reducing or avoiding pain, thus removing one of the barriers to healing, and, improving patient quality of life.