Service
Arterial Ulcers Wound care in Plano, TX
An arterial ulcer is a wound caused by poor blood flow through the arteries, usually from peripheral artery disease (PAD). These ulcers often appear on the toes, heels, or outer ankle, look punched-out, and can be very painful, especially at night or when the legs are raised. Because the tissue is starved of oxygen, arterial ulcers are among the slowest wounds to heal, and they need attention to circulation as well as to the wound.
How We Treat It
A care plan built around arterial ulcers
The first step is a vascular evaluation: checking pulses, measuring an ankle-brachial index, and ordering further testing when needed. When blood flow is significantly reduced, Dr. Rizvi coordinates with a vascular specialist, because restoring circulation is often what allows the wound to heal. Wound care is adjusted to the blood supply: gentle cleansing, careful decisions about debridement, protective dressings, pain control, and avoiding strong compression. Risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol are addressed at the same time. Care follows Society for Vascular Surgery and ADA guidance on peripheral artery disease and limb protection.
Why Patients Choose Dr. Rizvi
What's in the Plan
- Vascular evaluation, including pulse checks and ankle-brachial index
- Coordination with vascular specialists when blood flow needs to be restored
- Wound care adapted to limited circulation
- Pain management and protection of fragile tissue
- Help with risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, and blood pressure
- Close follow-up to catch signs of worsening early
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How is an arterial ulcer different from a venous ulcer?
Arterial ulcers come from too little blood reaching the tissue. They tend to be on the toes, heels, or outer ankle, look punched-out, and hurt more when the legs are raised. Venous ulcers come from blood pooling in the veins, usually sit near the inner ankle, and are often wetter with swelling. The treatments differ, especially around compression.
Why is my leg or foot ulcer so painful at night?
When you lie flat, gravity no longer helps blood reach your feet, so tissue that already has poor circulation gets even less oxygen. Many people with arterial disease find their pain eases when they hang their legs over the side of the bed. That pattern is worth mentioning to your wound specialist.
Can an arterial ulcer heal without surgery?
Some can, if circulation is adequate for healing. When blood flow is severely reduced, a procedure to open or bypass the blocked artery is often needed for the wound to heal. The vascular evaluation shows which situation applies to you.
When is an arterial ulcer an emergency?
Go to the emergency room for a foot that suddenly turns cold, pale, or blue, numbness or loss of movement, black tissue that is spreading, or signs of infection with fever. These can mean the limb is at immediate risk.
Ready to talk about arterial ulcers?
Same- or next-day appointments. Telemedicine available. Most insurance accepted — call to verify your plan.