Arterial & Ischemic Ulcers

Arterial and ischemic ulcers (and other vascular ulcers) affect up to 5% of people over 65. At VIP Wound, with offices in Memphis, Tennessee, and Holly Springs, Mississippi, their wound care specialists diagnose and treat vascular ulcers to optimize healing and lower the risk of infections and other complications. Schedule an evaluation at VIP Wound by calling the nearest office today.

What are arterial and ischemic ulcers?

Arterial and ischemic ulcers are vascular ulcers, skin wounds that develop due to blood circulation problems in the arteries (the vessels that provide oxygenated and nutrient-rich blood to the body tissues). They commonly appear on the feet and lower legs but can develop anywhere on your body and take a long time to heal.

When not treated, arterial and ischemic ulcers increase your risk of infection, sepsis, gangrene, pain, and limited movement.

What are the symptoms of arterial and ischemic ulcers?

The symptoms of arterial and ischemic ulcers include:

• Red, gray, black, or yellow open wounds

• Wounds between the toes or on your feet
• Deep wounds
• Wounds that might not hurt or bleed
• Wounds with raised or pushed-out edges

Symptoms that might develop before arterial and ischemic ulcers form include dry or shiny skin, stretched skin, hair loss on the affected limb caused by lack of blood flow, pale or cold feet, leg or foot aching, and redness.

What things raise your risk of arterial and ischemic ulcers?

Arterial and ischemic ulcer risk factors include:

• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Peripheral vascular disease (PAD)
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Heart disease
• Smoking
• Injuries like burns, muscle injuries, or fractures 
• Family history of vascular ulcers
• Prolonged standing

Healthy habits are an excellent way to reduce your risk of blood flow disorders and arterial and ischemic ulcers.

How are arterial and ischemic ulcers diagnosed?

Diagnosing arterial and ischemic ulcers at VIP Wound involves discussing your symptoms and medical history, a physical exam, a vital signs check, and blood testing. You might need a wound biopsy and diagnostic imaging (ultrasound, X-rays, an MRI, a CT scan, or another procedure) to finalize your diagnosis and determine how to best treat an arterial/ischemic ulcer.

How are arterial and ischemic ulcers treated?

Treating arterial and ischemic ulcers at VIP Wound involves one or more of the following options:

• Wound cleaning
• Debridement (removal of infected and dead tissue)
• Specialized medical bandages or dressings
• Oral, injected, or topical medicines
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)
• Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT)
• In-office dressing changes
• Wound care education
• Compression therapy
• Specialized footwear
• Exercise
• Off-loading
• Skin grafts
• Surgery
• Treating underlying medical conditions
• Combined wound care treatments

Don’t smoke, eat nutritious foods, maintain a healthy weight, and inspect your feet regularly if you have a history of arterial and ischemic ulcers. Wear comfortable footwear and take medications exactly as instructed.

Vascular ulcers can take a few weeks or months to heal. Contact the VIP Wound experts anytime with questions during your treatment.

Schedule an evaluation for arterial and ischemic ulcers at VIP Wound by calling the nearest office today.