Venous and Arterial Ulcers
Venous and arterial ulcers can be slow to heal and may continue to worsen without medical intervention, increasing the risk of serious infection. The skilled team at Healing Touch WoundCare offers comprehensive treatment for venous and arterial ulcers. Our approach includes specialized dressings and advanced options such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
What is a Venous Ulcer?
A venous ulcer is a wound that arises when chronic venous insufficiency causes increased pressure in a vein. This condition occurs when the one-way valves in the leg veins malfunction, allowing blood to flow backward.
As blood pools in the vein, pressure builds up, causing fluid to seep out of the vein and break down the surrounding skin, ultimately resulting in a venous ulcer.
What is an Arterial Ulcer?
An arterial ulcer develops when atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaque that hardens the arteries, restricts blood flow to your leg. This reduction in blood flow deprives the skin and other tissues of oxygen and nutrients, a condition known as ischemia. As a result, the affected tissue dies and forms an open wound or ulcer.
Additionally, the reduced blood flow hampers the healing process, making it difficult for even minor cuts to heal properly, which can lead to the development of an ulcer.
What Symptoms Develop Due to Venous and Arterial Ulcers?
Venous and arterial ulcers present with different symptoms:
Venous Ulcers
These ulcers often appear on the lower legs and ankles. Symptoms include swelling, itching, aching, and a feeling of heaviness in the legs. The skin around the ulcer may be discolored, and the ulcer itself typically has a shallow, irregular shape with a reddish or brownish color.
Artherial Ulcers
These ulcers usually occur on the toes, feet, or lower legs. Symptoms include severe pain, especially when the leg is elevated, cool or cold skin, and a pale or bluish appearance around the ulcer. The ulcer typically has a deep, well-defined border and may appear black or necrotic.
Why Do Arterial and VenousUlcers Need Expert Wound Care?
Ulcers will not heal on their own; instead, they tend to grow larger or deeper over time. Healing Touch WoundCare can provide effective solutions for both arterial and venous ulcers, offering lasting relief.
Without medical intervention, ulcers may persist for many months. The longer an ulcer remains untreated, the greater the risk of developing an infection, which can potentially spread and lead to bone infections.
How Are Venous and Arterial Ulcers Treated?
Treatment for venous and arterial ulcers involves a dual approach: addressing the underlying condition and providing specialized wound care.
It's crucial to keep ulcers clean and properly bandaged, though the types of dressings required differ for venous and arterial ulcers.
At Healing Touch WoundCare, our team selects the most effective dressing for each ulcer and provides comprehensive care, including:
Debridement
Specialized dressings
Medications
Compression therapy for venous ulcers
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
Why Choose Healing Touch WoundCare?
The Healing Touch WoundCare team is one of the few practices to offer specialized care for atypical wounds. Our staff can evaluate your wound to determine if it is atypical and provide comprehensive care solutions. We offer a wide range of therapies that can be used independently or in combination.
Our team of highly-trained providers will also teach you how to properly care for your wound at home. This includes demonstrating how to thoroughly clean the wound, protect healthy skin, and change dressings. If you think you may have an atypical wound, call Healing Touch WoundCare or book an appointment online today.
