Peripheral Artery Disease

When you have peripheral arterial disease, you’re at an increased risk for slow-healing wounds that are difficult to treat and require specialized wound care. The team at Midwest Wellness and Wound Care is highly skilled and experienced in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of complex wounds. They provide quality care at their office and in-home care. If you have PAD and a slow-healing wound, call the office or request an appointment online today.

What is peripheral arterial disease?

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD), a form of peripheral vascular disease (PVD), is a circulatory condition that affects the flow of blood through the extremities. With PAD, the arteries that feed the lower extremities are narrow and unable to maintain adequate blood flow through the limbs and back to the heart. 

PAD most often affects the lower extremities, and it significantly increases your risk of having slow-healing wounds on your legs, ankles, and feet. Because PAD hinders the body’s tissues from receiving adequate blood flow, the immune system can’t work properly at the site of even minor soft-tissue injuries, like scrapes or cuts.

Because of the inadequate blood flow, it’s more likely that infection can set in, which makes healing even simple wounds more difficult. Without treatment, PAD-related wounds, like other chronic venous wounds, can lead to severe complications. 

What are the complications of PAD-related wounds?

If you have PAD and develop a wound due to traumatic injury or infection, treatment is necessary to avoid complications such as:

• Slow or nonhealing wounds
• Recurrent wounds
• Gangrene (infectious, dead tissue)
• Severe pain 
• Immobility 
• Systemic infection or sepsis

If you have PAD, it is essential that you get early treatment for any cuts, scrapes, or injuries to your skin.

Am I at risk of having a PAD-related wound?

When you have PAD or PVD, you’re at risk of having chronic, slow, or nonhealing wounds. Also, you may be at an even higher risk of developing this type of wound if you:

• Are obese or overweight
• Smoke
• Have poor nutrition or an unhealthy diet
• Use alcohol excessively
• Have a sedentary lifestyle

You’re also at higher risk if you suffer from other health conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or varicose veins.

What are the treatment options for PAD-related wounds?

The team at Midwest Wellness and Wound Care offers knowledge-based and clinically proven treatments for PAD-related wounds. 

Treatment options include: 

• Vascular lab workup
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)
• Skin grafting
• Compression therapy
• Nutrition counseling
• Weight loss support
• Smoking cessation support

If you have PAD and any slow-healing wounds, you can trust Midwest Wellness and Wound Care to offer quality care and treatment. 

For a consultation regarding your PAD-related wound, call Midwest Wellness and Wound Care or request a consultation online today.