Arterial Ulcers

Arterial ulcers are a common side effect of peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition affecting 8 million-12 million Americans. Without treatment, arterial ulcers raise your risk of infection, gangrene (tissue death), and other problems. At Laser Surgical Solutions RGV, PLLC, the vascular surgeons and wound care specialists provide high-quality care for arterial ulcers. Call the office in McAllen or Rio Grande City, Texas, to schedule arterial ulcer treatment, or book your appointment online today.

What are arterial ulcers?

Arterial ulcers are slow-healing, open wounds caused by poor circulation. They can form anywhere on your body but commonly affect the lower extremities (legs and feet).

Over time, arterial ulcers increase the risk of other health problems, including infection, tissue death, and amputation. Partnering with a complex wound care specialist can prevent these problems and improve your quality of life.

What are the symptoms of arterial ulcers?

Arterial ulcer symptoms include:

• Deep, open wounds on the legs or feet
• Red, yellow, or grey sores
• Shiny, tight, hairless skin around the ulcer
• Skin that’s cool to the touch
• Numbness or weakness in the affected leg

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact Laser Surgical Solutions RGV, PLLC, immediately. The sooner you begin treatment, the better.

How are arterial ulcers diagnosed?

Your Laser Surgical Solutions RGV, PLLC, provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when you first noticed the wound, if it’s grown, and if it affects your ability to walk or do other activities. Tell your provider if you have diabetes, kidney disease, or another health problem that affects blood circulation.

Next, your provider assesses the ulcer’s size, site, and color. If the wound looks infected, they collect a biopsy (skin sample) and send it to a lab for analysis. They could also order diagnostic imaging, like X-rays or a vascular ultrasound, to see if the ulcer extends beneath your skin and affects your circulation.

How are arterial ulcers treated?

The Laser Surgical Solutions RGV, PLLC, team takes an integrative, minimally invasive approach to arterial ulcer treatment. They could suggest:

• Wearing compression socks to increase circulation
• Cleaning the wound and dressing it with a bandage
• Removing dead or infected tissue (wound debridement)
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) to speed healing
• Prescription or topical antibiotics to prevent infection
• Regular exercise to promote healthy blood flow

Most people benefit from several treatments. Your provider monitors the ulcer at routine checkups, adjusting your care plan to encourage healing and prevent problems like infection.

Can arterial ulcers be prevented?

Arterial ulcers can’t be prevented, but a healthy lifestyle can lower your risk. The team recommends drinking plenty of water, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking. You must also manage chronic health problems like diabetes and high blood pressure (hypertension).

Call the nearest Laser Surgical Solutions RGV, PLLC, office to schedule arterial ulcer treatment, or book your appointment online today.