Service
Arterial Wound / Gangrene
Gangrene is the death of body tissue caused by loss of blood supply, infection, or both. It most often affects the toes, feet, and lower legs but can appear anywhere on the body. Prompt evaluation is critical — untreated gangrene can spread and lead to amputation. Dr. Rizvi treats all three forms (dry, wet, and gas gangrene) with urgent debridement, infection control, and vascular referral when needed.
How We Treat It
A care plan built around arterial wound / gangrene
Care begins with an urgent vascular assessment to identify the underlying circulation problem. Treatment may include surgical debridement, intravenous or oral antibiotics, advanced dressings, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy when appropriate. For patients with diabetes or peripheral artery disease, ongoing prevention is as important as acute treatment. Antimicrobial selection follows [IDSA](https://www.idsociety.org/) skin and soft-tissue infection guidance, and limb-salvage protocols draw on [CDC](https://www.cdc.gov/) and [AHRQ](https://www.ahrq.gov/) evidence-based reviews.
- Patients treated
- 1,500+ limb-threatening wounds treated
- Typical recovery
- 6–16 weeks, varies by severity
- Visits
- Weekly, tapering with healing
- Outcomes
- Limb-salvage priority
Why Patients Choose Dr. Rizvi
What's in the Plan
- Same- or next-day evaluation — early intervention saves tissue and limbs
- Board-certified in Wound Management, with specific experience in limb-salvage cases
- Coordinated vascular, infectious-disease, and surgical referrals when indicated
- Hyperbaric medicine expertise — Dr. Rizvi is a member of the American College of Hyperbaric Medicine
- Long-term prevention planning for patients with diabetes or vascular disease
- No facility fee; telemedicine follow-ups available once the wound is stable
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the warning signs of gangrene?
Early signs include skin discoloration (pale, blue, purple, or black), a cold feeling in the affected area, severe pain followed by numbness, a foul-smelling discharge, and skin that feels leathery or shiny. Any of these symptoms requires urgent evaluation — gangrene can progress quickly.
What is the difference between dry, wet, and gas gangrene?
Dry gangrene develops from chronically poor circulation without infection and progresses slowly. Wet gangrene involves infection and spreads rapidly. Gas gangrene is a rare, life-threatening bacterial infection that produces gas in tissues. Each requires a different treatment plan — correct diagnosis early is critical.
Can gangrene be treated without amputation?
In many cases, yes — especially when caught early. Treatment usually combines surgical debridement of dead tissue, infection control, improved blood flow (medical or surgical), and advanced wound care. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy helps in selected cases. The best chance of limb salvage is prompt evaluation.
Ready to talk about arterial wound / gangrene?
Same- or next-day appointments. Telemedicine available. Most insurance accepted — call to verify your plan.