If you have diabetes, peripheral artery disease (PAD), or other health problems that affect your circulation, you’re also more likely to develop arterial wounds. At Rocky Mountain Wound Care Specialists in Loveland, Colorado, wound care expert Amy Pate, MD, MPH, CWSP, offers complete care for arterial wounds. Call Rocky Mountain Wound Care Specialists today to receive treatment for arterial wounds, or make your appointment online.
Arterial wounds are slow-healing ulcers that form on your legs, feet, or toes. They occur because of poor circulation.
If your blood doesn’t flow normally, the tissues in your lower extremities don’t get enough oxygen. Without adequate oxygen, your tissue dies and breaks down, forming an open wound. The lack of oxygen affects your body’s ability to fight bacteria as well, so you’re more likely to experience an infection.
Symptoms of arterial wounds include:
You may notice other symptoms alongside the wound, such as hair loss or skin that feels cold to the touch.
The most common cause of arterial wounds is blocked arteries. If your arteries are clogged, nutrient-rich blood can’t make it to all of your extremities.
Other things that may increase your risk of arterial wounds include:
Lifestyle factors can also play a role. For example, you’re more likely to have arterial wounds if you smoke or wear shoes that don’t provide enough room for your feet.
Dr. Pate reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and completes a physical exam.
She looks at the ulcer, assessing its size, shape, color, and location. Then, Dr. Pate collects a biopsy sample to see if there’s an infection and orders X-rays to see how far the wound extends beneath your skin.
After gathering the necessary information, Dr. Pate makes personalized treatment recommendations.
Treatment of arterial wounds depends on the severity of your symptoms, the size of your wound, and the underlying cause. Dr. Pate may recommend:
If your wound is the result of an underlying health problem, like diabetes, Dr. Pate may prescribe medication to keep your blood sugar in check. The goal is to improve your circulatory health and quality of life.
Call Rocky Mountain Wound Care Specialists today to explore the treatments for arterial wounds, or make your appointment online.