It is estimated that more than 10 million Americans are living with PAD, or Peripheral Artery Disease. PAD is a serious condition affecting circulation and blood vessels, causing them to narrow from plaque buildup in the arteries and blocking blood flow to the extremities, typically the legs and feet. It is triggered by atherosclerosis, which occurs when fatty deposits or cholesterol accumulates within the arteries.
September is PAD Awareness Month, and at CTVS, our board-certified vascular surgeons are helping to educate and arm you with information to prevent PAD and the many severe symptoms often accompanying this painful condition. One of the most common is non-healing ulcers, also known as PAD ulcers or arterial ulcers.
What are arterial ulcers?
These ulcers are raw, open wounds or sores that appear on the lower legs and feet most frequently – spots where blood flow can be hindered due to blocked arteries and poor circulation associated with PAD. They can prove difficult to heal, and if left untreated can lead to serious tissue damage and even amputation in extreme cases.
At CTVS, our goal is to prevent amputation at all costs, except for as a life-saving measure, by treating these ulcers as soon as possible.
Signs of an arterial ulcer might include:
- Skin on the legs or feet that feels tight or cold to the touch
- A red, irritated or bleeding lesion on the skin that does not heal
- A sore with oozing discharge
- Yellowish or black tissue surrounding an open sore
- Sharp leg pain that flares up at night at the source of the sore
While PAD is the main risk factor for developing these arterial ulcers, other medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol could contribute to them forming. Additionally, unhealthy lifestyle choices like smoking and inactivity can increase the risk of PAD ulcersl.
How can you prevent arterial ulcers?
The best defense from developing arterial ulcers is to effectively manage your PAD and other conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. Our vascular surgeons recommend eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and taking medications as directed to help improve your circulation (and control blood sugar) to help prevent these sores from developing.
Despite prevention efforts, if you do notice an arterial ulcer forming and it is slow to heal, our team of PAD specialists can help facilitate treatment.
How do you treat arterial ulcers?
Initial treatment for your arterial ulcer will involve specialized wound care to clean any dead tissue/skin and assess it for infection. Once it is properly dressed, and topical medications administered as needed, subsequent treatment will focus on restoring healthy blood flow to the affected area. This may be accomplished via a combination of therapies provided by a comprehensive team of specialists. PAD ulcer treatment may include:
- Medication to lower cholesterol and high blood pressure, and/or regulate diabetes
- Healthy diet and exercise to promote optimal circulation
- Surgical revascularization if necessary (through angioplasty or limb bypass)
Seek medical care right away for any open foot or leg sores if you experience:
- Difficulty or acute pain when walking
- Coolness or numbness of skin surrounding the sore
- Darkened or black areas of tissue (or on the toenail) anywhere near the ulcer
For questions about our Amputation Prevention Program, vascular, cardiac, or thoracic services, please visit ctvstexas.com or call us at (512) 459-8753 to schedule an appointment.
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