Venous/Arterial Ulcers

Venous and Arterial Ulcer Care

Venous and arterial ulcers are chronic wounds that occur when there is a disruption in the blood flow to the lower extremities. These ulcers can be painful, slow to heal, and may lead to severe complications if not properly managed. At BH Wound Care, our certified wound care specialists use state-of-the-art technology to determine the underlying cause of a venous or arterial ulcer and design a comprehensive, personalized treatment program. We offer venous and arterial ulcer care in Portland, OR; Los Angeles, CA; Vancouver, WA; and Nashville, TN. 

What Are Venous and Arterial Ulcers?

Venous and arterial ulcers are open sores and chronic wounds that can develop on the lower extremities. They are most common on the legs and feet. There are some key differences between the two conditions:

• Venous Ulcers – Venous ulcers, also known as stasis ulcers, develop due to poor blood circulation in the veins, usually in the lower legs and ankles. This condition is often associated with chronic venous insufficiency, where the valves in the leg veins fail to function correctly, leading to blood pooling and increased pressure in the lower extremities. The most common causes or risk factors for venous ulcers are chronic venous insufficiency, deep vein thrombosis, obesity, prolonged sitting or standing, and leg injury and trauma.
• Arterial Ulcers – Arterial ulcers occur when there is a significant reduction in blood flow to a specific area, typically in the lower extremities. Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a common cause of arterial ulcers, and it results from the narrowing or blockage of arteries due to atherosclerosis or other vascular issues. The most common causes or risk factors for arterial ulcers are peripheral artery disease, atherosclerosis, smoking, unmanaged diabetes, and hypertension.

Symptoms of Venous and Arterial Ulcers

There are distinct differences in the symptoms of venous and arterial ulcers. Because these ulcers have different causes and risk factors, they often have different symptoms as well:

Symptoms of venous ulcers:

• Irregularly shaped wounds with shallow edges
• Red or pink wound bed
• Moderate to heavy drainage (serous or serosanguinous)
• Surrounding skin may be discolored or have darkened pigmentation
• Often accompanied by swelling and aching in the affected leg

Symptoms of arterial ulcers:

• Well-defined wounds with a “punched-out” appearance
• Pale wound bed
• Minimal drainage or none at all
• Surrounding skin may appear shiny, thin, and hairless
• Painful, especially at night or during rest

How Are Venous and Arterial Ulcers Treated?

You can perform first aid at home to treat and manage venous and arterial ulcers. However, if at-home treatment is unsuccessful, your wound does not heal or develops complications, or you aren’t able to properly care for your wound yourself, you should visit our certified wound care specialists. These are the best treatment options for venous and arterial ulcers:

• Consult a Wound Care Specialist – Seek medical attention from a healthcare professional experienced in managing chronic wounds. They will assess the ulcers and develop an individualized treatment plan.
• Wound Cleaning – Keep the ulcers clean by gently washing with a mild soap and water. Avoid using harsh antiseptics, as they can damage delicate tissues.
• Debridement – In some cases, debridement (removal of dead tissue) may be necessary. This can be done using different methods, such as autolytic, enzymatic, surgical, or mechanical debridement.
• Moist Wound Healing – Use appropriate dressings that maintain a moist wound environment. This promotes granulation tissue formation and accelerates the healing process.
• Compression Therapy (Venous Ulcers) – Compression bandages or stockings help reduce swelling and improve venous blood flow, aiding in the healing of venous ulcers. Ensure proper application and compression level as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• Offloading (Arterial Ulcers) – To alleviate pressure on arterial ulcers, avoid weight-bearing activities on the affected leg. This can be achieved using specialized footwear or offloading devices.
• Pain Management – Address pain associated with arterial ulcers by elevating the legs and keeping them warm. Consult your healthcare provider for suitable pain relief options.
• Manage Underlying Conditions – Control chronic health issues such as diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol to improve overall vascular health and facilitate wound healing.
• Regular Follow-up – Adhere to your healthcare provider’s recommendations and attend follow-up appointments to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.

Can I Prevent Venous or Arterial Ulcers?

While some causes of venous or arterial ulcers may not be preventable, you can reduce your risk of ulcers and complications. Work closely with your physician and any specialists you visit to develop a plan to manage symptoms of chronic health conditions, improve your diet and nutrition, lose weight, and make key lifestyle changes to benefit your overall health and wellness. You can reduce the risk of recurrent venous or arterial ulcers by:

• Maintain Good Foot Care – Inspect your feet regularly for any signs of injury or skin changes. Keep the feet clean and moisturized.
• Follow a Healthy Lifestyle – Adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, and refraining from smoking to support vascular health.
• Increase Physical Activity Levels – If you have been sedentary, gradually incorporate physical activity into your routine to improve circulation.
• Wear Proper Footwear – Wear well-fitting, supportive shoes that protect your feet from injury.

Our Arterial and Venous Ulcer Care Services

At BH Wound Care, we combine state-of-the-art technology and wound care innovation to provide comprehensive wound care services. Our experienced, certified wound care specialists will determine the underlying cause of your venous or arterial ulcer so that they can address the root cause to promote healing and recovery and restore your overall health and wellness. We offer highly personalized treatment plans and take a comprehensive, holistic approach to wound care and healing. Our arterial and venous ulcer care services include:

• Comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis of arterial and venous ulcers
• Assessment of the underlying cause of venous ulcers or arterial ulcers
• Wound cleaning and debridement services
• Antibiotic administration
• Ongoing wound care
• Diet and nutrition counseling
• Lifestyle modification counseling
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
• Epidermal autografting
• Transcutaneous oxygen measurement
• Skin perfusion
• Arterial leg ulcer therapy
• Chronic vein ulcer management services
• Compression therapy for ulcers
• Education and instruction on proper at-home care

Schedule a Consultation for Venous or Arterial Ulcer Care

Venous and arterial ulcers require specialized care to promote healing and prevent complications. By seeking early medical attention, adopting proper wound care techniques, and managing underlying conditions, you can improve your quality of life and reduce the risk of recurrence. At BH Wound Care, our compassionate, experienced wound care specialists offer comprehensive venous and arterial ulcer care in Portland, OR; Los Angeles, CA; Vancouver, WA; and Nashville, TN. Call us now or reach out to us online to schedule a consultation.