Leg Wounds

If you have poor circulation for any reason, leg wounds can develop into ulcers that heal slowly or not at all. At Palm Beach Heart & Vascular in Boynton Beach, Florida, Paul Michael, MD, treats leg wounds and their underlying vascular conditions using the latest treatments. To schedule a leg wound treatment consultation, call Palm Beach Heart & Vascular or book online today.

What are leg wounds?

Wounds in the lower limbs, specifically the feet and legs, can be slow to heal due to underlying conditions that damage the cardiovascular system. That means your legs aren’t getting the circulation they need for the wounds to heal properly. These slow-to-heal-wounds become ulcers, which either don’t heal at all or recur.

While some leg wounds are obvious, others can remain unnoticed for a significant time. 

Neurotrophic leg wounds, a type of wound associated with diabetes, goes undetected because of nerve damage that prevents pain signals from reaching your brain. If you have diabetes, you should check your legs and the bottoms of your feet regularly for cuts and wounds no matter how small.  

Other types of leg wounds include venous stasis ulcers and arterial ulcers due to poor circulation in the legs. 

What causes leg wounds?

There are many causes of leg wounds to consider. Palm Beach Heart & Vascular provides a comprehensive evaluation to find out if you have any underlying conditions causing or contributing to your leg wounds. 

While neurotrophic leg wounds are usually due to diabetic neuropathy, which often co-occurs alongside peripheral artery disease, arterial and venous stasis ulcers are due to conditions affecting the circulatory system like:

• Arteriosclerosis
• Venous insufficiency
• Kidney failure
• Hypertension
• Vasculitis
• Lymphedema
• Clotting disorders

You can also develop leg wounds because of poor circulation that comes with a history of heavy smoking, laying in one position for too long, or taking certain medications. 

How are leg wounds treated?

Treating leg wounds can be a challenge, but the experts at Palm Beach Heart & Vascular take a collaborative approach to give you the best possible outcome. Treating severe wounds may even prevent amputation and preserve the function of your limb. 

Usually, treatment for leg wounds involves multiple approaches. Palm Beach Heart & Vascular might suggest:

• Wound dressings
• Wound debridement
• Antibiotics for infection
• Anti-clotting medications
• Compression garments
• Orthotics
• Negative pressure wound therapy
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy

By following your treatment plan according to your provider’s instructions, you can maintain your mobility for as long as possible or make a full recovery from your leg wound. Your treatment might also involve additional medications for the underlying conditions contributing to your wounds, like medications for high blood pressure. 

To schedule a consultation for expert leg wound care, call Palm Beach Heart & Vascular or book online today.