Preventing Infection and Complications from Non-Healing Leg Wounds

Chronic leg wounds, or leg ulcers, affect 1% of adults and 3.6% of people older than 65. More than 5% of people over the age of 80 have chronic leg wounds. Major complications of non-healing leg wounds include infection, gangrene, and even amputation of the affected limb above the ulcer.

At Apex Endovascular, located in Fort Collins, Colorado, Dr. Shawn Ahmed can evaluate leg ulcers and wounds, determine their cause, and help you prevent complications and/or amputation.

The basics of chronic leg wounds

Leg ulcers are wounds that don’t heal within two weeks of formation. These wounds are usually located between the knee and the bottom of the ankle. Chronic leg ulcers persist longer than six weeks and don’t show signs of healing after three months of treatment.

Around 90% of leg ulcers are caused by some sort of vascular disease, such as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) or peripheral artery disease (PAD.) Other conditions, like diabetes and high blood pressure, can increase your chance of developing leg ulcers.

Vein disease

There are several different types of vein disease, but they usually involve loss of valve function. Blood is supposed to be on a one-way route through the body, but failing valves inside the veins can allow blood to backflow and pool under the skin. 

Artery disease

Artery disease is typically caused by a build-up of plaque in your arteries, restricting blood flow. Peripheral artery disease exacerbates lower limb wounds, keeping them from getting the oxygenated blood and nutrients needed to heal properly.  

Dangers of non-healing leg wounds

Chronic leg wounds are extremely vulnerable to infection. Once infection takes hold in a leg ulcer, it can spread beyond the original injury. In severe cases, sepsis or gangrene can set in, requiring amputation of your foot or your leg below the knee. Once you’ve had a venous leg ulcer, you’re at increased risk for another one in the same place.

Preventing complications from non-healing leg wounds

There are two sides to preventing leg ulcers from becoming infected. First, vascular care. At Apex Endovascular, Dr. Ahmed offers various minimally invasive procedures to correct vein and artery issues.   

You’ll also require appropriate wound care if you already have leg ulcers, This can include various steps such as:

• Cleaning
• Debridement
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
• Topical dressings 

Start supporting your vascular health today, especially if you have hypertension and/or diabetes. Eat a diet that supports proper cholesterol levels. Exercise appropriately. Wear compression stockings if advised by your doctor. Regularly clean and moisturize your leg skin, and check for any signs of injury.

Are you concerned about your vascular health? Call Apex Endovascular at 970-508-8439, or book a consultation online today.