Certain types of ulcers, known as non-healing ulcers or non-healing wounds, can pose serious health risks, potentially leading to limb amputation or, in extreme cases, loss of life. At Pedes Orange County, we specialize in treating non-healing ulcers associated with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and other arterial conditions.
Non-healing wounds or ulcers, which do not heal beyond three weeks or follow the usual healing process, are referred to as chronic wounds. These wounds can be a significant burden, but our board- certified vascular surgeons and specialists are dedicated to providing effective treatment plans to help patients resume a healthy, productive, and pain-free life.
Patients generally experience one of three types of non-healing ulcers, categorized by their causes.
Venous and arterial ulcers are found to account for up to 90% of all non-healing wounds. Mostly
occurring in elderly patients, these ulcers are often caused by valve failure in both a person’s arteries and veins. The valves in these blood vessels are responsible for preventing the backflow of blood. Backflow of blood causes a lack of nutrient- and oxygen-rich blood from reaching the affected tissues and sets up the conditions for non-healing wounds.
Pressure ulcers frequently result from restricted blood flow to specific body areas due to continuous and prolonged pressure. These ulcers are most common in patients with full or partial paralysis and those who are bedridden for extended periods.
Diabetic ulcers, typically found on the feet, are a serious complication for those with diabetes. These
ulcers result from a combination of nerve damage and poor blood circulation, which hinders the body’s ability to heal properly. If left untreated, diabetic ulcers can become progressively worse, leading to severe infections and tissue death. This can ultimately necessitate amputation to prevent the spread of infection and save the patient’s life.
It is important to seek immediate medical attention from one of our vascular physicians in the event you suspect you have a non-healing ulcer. Common symptoms of non-healing wounds include:
It is important to note that the symptoms above are all indicative of an infection. Timely intervention is required to reduce further tissue damage and complications.
Various factors contribute to the risk of developing a non-healing ulcer or wound. What these factors have in common is their ability to interfere with the way the body normally functions in healing wounds.
Nerve damage, or neuropathy, can significantly hinder sensation and blood flow, leading to the development of non-healing wounds. This condition requires careful management and specialized treatment to prevent complications and promote healing.
A person’s circulatory system is responsible for delivering oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood to all the tissues in the body that need it. Without it, tissues will begin to die. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a common condition associated with non-healing ulcers, as it may lead to numbness, skin discoloration, or severe pain if left unchecked.
The formation of non-healing ulcers may indicate a patient has reached the advanced stages of an
underlying health condition. These conditions include high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney failure, high cholesterol, or peripheral artery disease (PAD). These conditions contribute to the formation of ulcers by interrupting the flow of oxygenated blood to all parts of the body or by causing nerve damage.
Some habits and lifestyles will place patients at a heightened risk of developing non-healing ulcers. Smoking, for instance, narrows the vessels carrying blood to body tissues, thus increasing one’s chances of developing ulcers. A sedentary lifestyle may also carry the risk of encouraging non-healing wounds to develop.
Because there are various causes contributing to the development of non-healing wounds, there is also a wide range of treatments available to help patients heal properly. Our vascular doctors will discuss the available options with you in order to arrive at the best possible treatment plan for your specific condition. Common courses of treatment include:
Additional specialized treatments for non-healing ulcers include:
This treatment method works by pulling away the fluid in the wound that nourishes bacteria by the application of negative pressure. It is also known as vacuum-assisted wound closure for this reason. This treatment will also reduce tissue swelling and bring fresh blood and nutrients to the problem area, which assists in the healing processes.
Growth factors refer to the biomaterials naturally created within our bodies that play the role of replacing tissues as they are damaged. These factors include epidermal growth factor, insulin-like growth factor (IGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and more. During treatment, your vascular doctor will introduce or stimulate these growth factors in the affected areas in order to speed up the healing and re-growth processes.
Skin grafts taken from donors, also referred to as allografts, are another option. These grafts provide a covering to the wound and work by encouraging and providing a structure for the growth of epithelial cells.
The skilled doctors at Pedes Orange County in Irvine, CA, are here to help you address your non-healing wounds with cutting-edge peripheral arterial disease (PAD) treatment. Call (949) 387-4724 today to make an appointment or contact our friendly staff online at your convenience. We look forward to helping you live a happier, healthier life.
The physicians at Pedes Orange County devote their lives to saving limbs and minimizing pain. Our conveniently located, state-of-the-art facility is designed for your comfort and utilizes cutting-edge technology to provide minimally invasive treatments. Our vascular surgeons and vascular specialists are board-certified and some of the best in Southern California. Personable staff members make every visit a positive experience, with short wait times and an efficient, streamlined process that ensures you leave feeling educated and confident that you are in good hands.
Vascular Specialist
Vascular Specialist
Vascular Specialist
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Advanced ultrasound-guided examination techniques will be used to visualize the veins, arteries, or both, in your legs. This is often used in the diagnostic process to detect the presence and extent of disease.
Once we review the results of your diagnostic tests, our physicians will collaborate with you to develop a personalized treatment plan, ensuring the best course of treatment for your specific condition.
Your treatment plan will be personalized to you and your individual needs. At Pedes, we specialize in minimally invasive procedures and nonsurgical treatments, all of which are performed by our dedicated vascular physicians within the comfort of our state-of-the-art facility.
We ensure our patients receive continuous care and support with regular follow-up visits. Each follow-up visit is scheduled at the time of your in-office appointment. Should you have a concern between
appointments, we encourage you to call our office and get scheduled at any time.
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