Wound Care
If you are suffering from lower extremity wounds / sores on your feet, or have had a history of a recent lower extremity or foot surgery that is not healing as rapidly as you or your doctor would expect, you may have a component of peripheral arterial disease or venous disease which is contributing to the wound or the delayed wound healing.
We have the ability to rapidly diagnose and treat you for peripheral arterial disease or venous disease that may cause poor wound healing.
Poor wound healing and subsequent wound infection can result in lower extremity amputation.
If you have had a recent amputation, without an angiogram, or picture of the blood flow to the affected limb, you may have undiagnosed peripheral arterial disease.
We specialize in improving blood flow to and from the lower extremities to enhance wound healing and prevent amputation.
If you have already had a partial amputation, or have delayed wound healing, contact us so that we can ensure you are getting adequate blood flow to and from the affected area to minimize your risk of recurrent infection, further amputation, and improve wound healing.
Venous Leg Ulcers
Venous leg ulcers are one of the more commonly seen wounds. They typically occur on the medial lower leg and are a symptom of Venous Disease. Diseased and faulty vein valves cause high pressure and capillary leakage which breaks the skin down. The most common treatment for venous ulcers is compression therapy. Compression therapy will force fluid back into the capillaries and increase blood flow to the skin. Compression therapy is most commonly applied with medical bandaging or compression stockings.
Venous ulcer before treatment
Venous ulcer after treatment
Arterial Wounds
Arterial wounds are the second most common type of lower extremity wound. Arterial wounds are often caused by Peripheral Artery Disease, which restricts blood from reaching the extremities and providing the oxygen needed to stay healthy. This lack of blood and oxygen causes the cells to heal slowly or not at all. Arterial wounds can be a sign of Critical Limb Ischemia and need to be addressed as soon as possible to avoid potential amputation of the affected area.
Diabetic Foot Ulcers (DFU)
Diabetic foot ulcers are commonly found on the bottom of the feet near the larger pressure points.
Diabetic foot ulcers (also called DFU’s) are the most common type of lower extremity wound that can lead to a potential amputation. Diabetic foot ulcers form due to a variety of factors including lack of feeling in the foot, poor circulation, irritation, and diabetes management. Up to 25% of diabetics with diabetic foot ulcers require an amputation.
You may be at high risk for a foot ulcer if you:
- Have neuropathy
- Have poor circulation
- Have a foot deformity
- Wear inappropriate shoes
- Have uncontrolled blood sugar