Improve circulation and promote recovery for vascular wound healing

Venous and arterial ulcers are chronic wounds caused by poor blood circulation in the lower extremities. These ulcers are often painful, slow to heal, and can lead to serious complications if not properly treated. At Profound Wound Specialists, our certified wound care experts use advanced diagnostics and state-of-the-art therapies to identify the root cause of your ulcer and create a personalized treatment plan that supports faster healing and long-term wellness.

What Are Venous and Arterial Ulcers?
Venous and arterial ulcers are open sores most commonly found on the legs, ankles, or feet. Though they share similarities, they have distinct causes and symptoms:

  • Venous Ulcers: Also called stasis ulcers, these wounds occur when faulty vein valves cause blood pooling in the legs. Risk factors include chronic venous insufficiency, deep vein thrombosis, obesity, prolonged standing, or leg injuries.
  • Arterial Ulcers: Caused by poor blood flow due to narrowed or blocked arteries, often linked to peripheral artery disease (PAD) or atherosclerosis. Risk factors include smoking, unmanaged diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

Symptoms of Venous and Arterial Ulcers

  • Signs of Venous Ulcers:
    • Shallow wounds with irregular edges
    • Red or pink wound bed
    • Moderate to heavy drainage
    • Darkened or discolored surrounding skin
    • Swelling and aching in the affected leg
  • Signs of Arterial Ulcers:
    • Deep, well-defined wounds with a “punched-out” look
    • Pale wound bed with minimal or no drainage
    • Thin, shiny, or hairless surrounding skin
    • Intense pain, often worse at night or while resting

Treatment for Venous and Arterial Ulcers
Early and professional intervention is key to preventing complications. While basic wound care can be started at home, ulcers that do not heal require specialized care. At Profound Wound Specialists, we proudly provide advanced wound care services in California, offering treatment options may include:

  • Specialist Consultation: Comprehensive evaluation by a wound care expert to design a personalized care plan.
  • Wound Cleaning: Gentle cleansing to reduce infection risk without damaging delicate tissues.
  • Debridement: Removal of dead tissue to promote healthy healing.
  • Moist Wound Healing: Specialized dressings that create the ideal environment for wound repair.
  • Compression Therapy (Venous Ulcers): Bandages or stockings to improve circulation and reduce swelling.
  • Offloading (Arterial Ulcers): Reducing pressure with specialized footwear or devices.
  • Pain Management: Elevation, warmth, and medical guidance to ease discomfort.
  • Management of Chronic Conditions: Controlling diabetes, hypertension, and cholesterol for better vascular health.
  • Ongoing Monitoring: Regular follow-ups to track progress and adjust care as needed.

Preventing Venous and Arterial Ulcers
Prevention plays an important role in long-term wound care. You can reduce risks by:

  • Inspecting feet and legs regularly for changes or wounds
  • Practicing good foot hygiene and daily moisturizing
  • Wearing properly fitted, supportive footwear
  • Staying physically active to promote circulation
  • Maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding smoking
  • Keeping blood sugar and blood pressure under control

Venous and Arterial Ulcer Care Services at Profound Wound Specialists

At Profound Wound Specialists, we take a comprehensive approach to ulcer care, combining advanced technology with personalized patient support. Our goal is to not only heal your ulcer but also address underlying conditions and reduce the risk of recurrence.

Our specialized services include:

  • Comprehensive wound evaluation and diagnosis
  • Assessment of underlying vascular conditions
  • Wound cleaning and professional debridement
  • Targeted antibiotic therapy
  • Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
  • Epidermal autografting
  • Transcutaneous oxygen measurement
  • Skin perfusion assessments
  • Compression therapy for venous ulcers
  • Advanced arterial ulcer therapies
  • Chronic vein ulcer management
  • Nutrition and lifestyle counseling
  • Education on at-home wound care and prevention

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes venous ulcers to form?
Venous ulcers usually develop when blood flow in the veins is poor, causing pressure and fluid buildup in the legs. Factors like varicose veins, blood clots, or long periods of standing can increase risk. At our clinic, we assess circulation and help manage these conditions effectively.
How do arterial ulcers happen?
Arterial ulcers occur when arteries cannot deliver enough blood to the tissues, often due to plaque buildup or peripheral artery disease. We help evaluate blood flow and provide care plans that promote healing.
How can I tell if a sore is an arterial ulcer?
Arterial ulcers are usually painful, with a punched-out appearance, and may be located on the toes or feet. The skin around them may look pale or shiny.
Are venous and arterial ulcers painful?
Venous ulcers can cause aching or heaviness in the legs, especially after standing. Arterial ulcers are often sharply painful, particularly at night or when legs are elevated.
Do compression wraps help venous ulcers?
Compression therapy can help improve blood flow and reduce swelling, which supports healing of venous ulcers. We assess and fit compression safely for each patient.
How are venous or arterial ulcers treated?
Treatment may include cleaning the wound, dressing changes, compression therapy for venous ulcers, or procedures to improve blood flow for arterial ulcers. Our team often works with patients to create a plan that supports healing.
Are there ways to prevent venous or arterial ulcers?
Keeping legs elevated, exercising, wearing compression socks, managing blood pressure, and avoiding smoking can reduce risk. Regular check-ups help catch issues early.

Begin Your Healing Journey

Don’t ignore wounds that are slow to heal or cause ongoing pain. At Profound Wound Specialists, we are committed to restoring health, comfort, and mobility through advanced wound care. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward recovery.