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Ulcers

Premier Vein & Vascular

Vascular and Endovascular Surgery located in Tampa, FL & Largo, FL

Vascular problems like poor circulation can cause a normal wound to turn into an ulcer that doesn’t heal. Nestor Guerrero, ARNP-C and the team at Premier Vein & Vascular treat venous and arterial ulcers at two convenient locations in Tampa and Largo, Florida. If you have a leg ulcer that’s healing slowly or not at all, call or book an appointment online today.

Ulcers Q & A

What are ulcers?

Ulcers are open wounds on your skin. They can happen anywhere, but are most common on the legs and feet.

Venous ulcers result from weak or damaged veins that can’t properly return blood to the heart. Arterial ulcers are due to a lack of blood flow from damaged arteries. Venous ulcers are the most common type of leg ulcer.

What causes ulcers?

Poor circulation is the leading cause of ulcers. A reduced blood flow deprives the skin and surrounding tissues of the oxygen and nutrients they need to heal.

Other problems that may contribute to venous and arterial ulcers include:

  • Varicose veins
  • Chronic venous insufficiency (CVT)
  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Atherosclerosis
  • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
  • Pregnancy
  • Obesity
  • Kidney disease
  • High cholesterol

Smoking also increases your risk of developing ulcers. You can reduce your risk of leg ulcers by having healthy habits, such as getting regular exercise and avoiding smoking.

When should I see a doctor for an ulcer?

An ulcer may take months to heal and some may never heal at all. Without treatment, ulcers can become infected and lead to serious complications, including gangrene and limb amputation.

It’s important to seek treatment as soon as you notice a wound or sore on your foot or leg, especially if you have a chronic condition like diabetes. Your primary care physician may refer you to Premier Vein & Vascular for advanced treatment.

How are ulcers treated?

First, your Premier Vein & Vascular provider reviews your medical history and carefully examines your leg, looking for signs of infection such as redness and warmth. They may also take diagnostic tests, such as an ultrasound, to evaluate the health of your veins and arteries.

Then, they recommend the best approach to treatment for your specific condition. Depending on your needs, ulcer treatment may include:

  • Cleaning and bandaging the wound
  • Antibiotics to treat or prevent infection
  • Compression therapy to improve circulation
  • Elevating the legs to minimize swelling
  • Medications to relieve pain

If you have an arterial ulcer due to blocked or narrowed arteries, the team at Premier Vein & Vascular may treat the underlying issue with an office-based surgery like balloon angioplasty or stenting.

For expert care of arterial and venous ulcers, call Premier Vein & Vascular or book an appointment online today.

Contact us today to learn more about our services.

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