Who Is At Risk?

There aren’t many people at high risk, but any person with poor circulation is more susceptible to irradiated ulcers or wounds. It’s therefore essential to be aware of what risk factors may cause issues.

Some health conditions that could trigger this ischemic ulcer are:

• Peripheral Arterial Disease
• Diabetes Mellitus
• Micro-vascular Disease
• Obesity
• Physical Inactivity
• Family History of Vascular Disease
• High Cholesterol
• Hyperlipidemia
• Hypercoagulable States
• Hypertension
• Atrial Fibrillation
• Arterial Embolism
• Mitral Stenosis
• Endocarditis
• Patent Foramen Ovale
• Prosthetic Heart Valve
• Post-Surgical Clotting
• Radiation Necrosis
• Trauma
• Certain Medications
• Cancer
• Age

While these risk factors can increase the chance of developing an ulcer, they’re not required. Patients who suspect that they may develop an ulcer should see a physician immediately and alter their lifestyle.

Identifying Ischemic Ulcers : Signs and Symptoms

Being aware that an ischemic ulcer is developing is crucial in determining the best treatment option and repairing the injury. Some symptoms of these wounds are:

• Wounds can be seen on ankles, legs, toes, and between toes.
• Dark red-gray, yellow, or sores that are black.
• Edges raised around the wound (it looks like it was punched).
• No bleeding.
• A deep wound that allows a tendon can show through.
• The wound could be or not be painful.
• The skin of the leg appears smooth, dry, tight, and hairless.
• Letting the leg slide off the edge of a chair or bed can cause your leg to become red.
• When you raise your leg, it appears cool and pale to the touch.
• Pain in the foot or leg, typically late at night. The pain may subside when the leg is stretched out.

These issues could be indicators of low blood flow to extremities. As time passes, the problems will only worsen and may lead to severe cuts and permanent tissue damage.

Prevent Ischemic Wounds

If you’re at risk of developing Ischemic ulcers, these steps could help avoid complications:

• Make sure you check your legs and feet daily. Be sure to check the tops and the bottoms, ankles, heels, and between the toes. Check for changes in color or red or sore spots.
• Shoes that are comfortable and do not rub your feet or press your feet. Make sure your socks fit. Socks that are too large will clump up within your shoes and cause friction on your skin, which could cause an itch.
• Be careful not to be too long in one spot.
• Keep your feet safe from the frigid winter air.
• Don’t walk around without shoes. Guard your feet against injury.
• Don’t wear wraps or compression stockings unless advised by your physician. These can impede blood flow.
• Don’t soak your feet in hot water.

Specific lifestyle changes can help prevent ischemic ulcers. If you’ve suffered from an injury, these steps will improve blood flow and help you heal.

• Stop smoking. Smoking cigarettes can cause clogging of the arteries.
• If you have diabetes, you must keep your blood sugar level. This will aid in healing quicker.
• Do as much exercise as you can. Being active can improve blood flow.
• Consume healthy food and get enough sleep each night.
• Weight loss is a must if you’re overweight.
• Monitor your cholesterol and blood pressure levels.

When to Call the Doctor

Suppose you’ve got an Ischemic ulcer or have any indications of infection. In that case, speak urgently to our Complex Health Care Centre to address any of these issues by the highly skilled cardiovascular surgeon and primary medical doctor.

• Persistent fever over 101 degrees F (39 C)
• The pain isn’t relieved by medications
• Increased warmth, redness, or swelling near the wound
• Odor
• Chills
• Swelling
• Bleeding
• The damage is more extensive or more profound.
• The wound appears dry or is dark
• Redness around the ulcer that is getting larger or worsening
• A lot more drainage than before, or drainage that appears cloudy or yellowish

Patients with some of these signs must consult our expert physician for a thorough exam. Our vascular specialist will perform lab tests, MRI, CT scans, and other tests to identify an ischemic wound and start treatment.

Emergency Wound Care

To treat an ischemic ulcer, blood flow to your legs has to be restored. You may need to take medication. In certain circumstances, it is possible to require surgery.

Our medical professional will take care of your wound through:

• Keeping the wound clean and well-bandaged to avoid infection.
• Our service provider will let you know the frequency you should replace the dressing.
• Keeping the dressing and skin surrounding it dry. Make sure not to make healthy tissue surrounding the wound wet. This could soften the healthy tissue and cause the wound to become more significant.
• Before applying the dressing, cleanse the wound as per our physician’s directions.
• It is possible to change your clothes or have family members assist you.

Ischemic ulcers and wounds can be an issue for a lot of patients. The proper care for the wounds is crucial to ensure complete healing. Cleansing and dressing the wound appropriately and the best practices will assist patients in eliminating Ischemic ulcers and preventing the formation of new ones.