One of the signs of Peripheral Artery Disease or PAD is a wound or ulcer on the legs or feet that do not heal fast. If this wound or sore doesn’t get enough blood, the ability of the body to heal it is affected, increasing the risk of infection. This is the reason those who have poor circulation because of PAD require special Bakersfield wound care to heal their wounds. 

Wound Evaluation

Wounds can be acute or chronic. A wound is chronic when it does not heal in 4 to 6 weeks. Wounds that do not heal can lead to pain, infection, and amputation. If you have chronic wounds, you may need to take some time off of work leaving you without an income. 

You can have wounds because of many reasons. Thus, when you pick the right care plan, you should take care of all factors that contribute to wound healing. Thus, apart from addressing your wounds, you should also consider the underlying infection, your lifestyle factors, and nutrition for optimal wound healing. 

Common Wounds You May Experience Because of PAD

If you have underlying PAD, you are at an increased risk of developing wounds and ulcers that do not heal. Because of this, you have a high chance of getting an amputation. Thus, it is important to seek wound care. The following are the wounds you may get if you have PAD:

• Arterial ulcers- These ulcers occur due to arterial blockages. The arteries deliver oxygenated blood to your lower extremities. When this function is compromised, tissue damage and ischemia can occur because the tissue does not get the oxygen it needs for healing. Typically, ulcers are found in the lower leg, on the tips of or between the toes. 
• Diabetic foot ulcers- These ulcers result from the loss of peripheral sensation, usually seen in diabetic patients. The loss of sensation can result in extended microtrauma, causing the overlying tissue to break down, and the formation of ulcers. 

Getting Wound Care and PAD Treatment

If you have a chronic wound and underlying PAD, you should seek treatment while the wound is in its early stages. This way, your doctor can identify and treat PAD and other factors that affect wound healing. To prevent the development or progression of PAD, you should exercise, eat properly, manage underlying conditions, and avoid smoking. 

Arterial ulcers are treated by restoring adequate circulation, often through minimally invasive techniques or surgical revascularization. If you have PAD and ulceration, you must control medical factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and cholesterol, stop smoking, as well as optimize your nutrition.