Non-healing arterial and venous ulcers on the legs or feet can be painful, slow to close, and may show signs such as persistent redness, swelling, or drainage. These wounds are commonly caused by circulation problems in the arteries or veins, making daily activities difficult and increasing the risk of infection. At Medical Vascular Partners, our double board-certified radiologists, Dr. Rajiv Srinivasa and Dr. Taylor Maloney, evaluate arterial and venous ulcers and work to restore healthy blood flow using advanced, minimally invasive techniques.
Overview
Non-healing arterial and venous ulcers are open sores on the legs or feet that do not improve despite appropriate wound care over several weeks. Arterial ulcers develop when reduced blood flow prevents oxygen and nutrients from reaching the tissue, while venous ulcers result from impaired vein function that causes blood to pool in the lower extremities. Both conditions interfere with normal healing and can lead to worsening wounds if left untreated. Without proper vascular care, these ulcers may cause chronic pain, infection, and reduced mobility, making timely evaluation essential to prevent serious complications.
Symptoms of Non-Healing Arterial and Venous Ulcers
Arterial and venous ulcers often begin as small wounds that fail to heal and gradually become more severe. These ulcers may be uncomfortable and show visible signs of poor circulation or vein dysfunction. Common symptoms of non-healing ulcers on the legs or feet include:
- Pain, tenderness, or burning around the ulcer
- Redness, swelling, or warmth in the surrounding skin
- Drainage, pus, or foul odor from the wound
- Skin discoloration, thickening, or hardened tissue near the ulcer
- Open wound edges that do not shrink or close
- Minimal or no improvement despite consistent wound care
Treatments for Non-Healing Arterial and Venous Ulcers
At Medical Vascular Partners, treatment begins with identifying whether arterial disease, venous disease, or a combination of both is contributing to the ulcer. Your physician carefully evaluates circulation in the legs and feet using advanced imaging to determine where blood flow is impaired and how it affects the surrounding tissue. When poor arterial circulation is the primary cause, treatment focuses on restoring blood flow through minimally invasive revascularization procedures above or below the knee.
These procedures are performed through a small incision, allowing catheters to be guided directly to narrowed or blocked arteries. Specialized tools are used to open these vessels and improve circulation. For venous ulcers, treatment targets malfunctioning veins that allow blood to pool in the legs. Minimally invasive vein treatments help redirect blood flow into healthier veins, reducing pressure, swelling, and inflammation. Improving both arterial inflow and venous outflow allows oxygen and nutrients to reach the affected tissues and supports effective wound healing.
Advantages of
Minimally Invasive Vascular Treatment
Treating arterial and venous ulcers by improving circulation addresses the root cause of wounds that do not heal. Minimally invasive vascular procedures offer an effective alternative to open surgery and help support long-term recovery. Key advantages include:
- Small incisions with minimal tissue disruption
- Faster recovery compared to traditional surgical approaches
- Lower risk of infection and wound complications
- Improved blood flow to the legs and feet to promote healing
- Reduced need for hospitalization or extended downtime
- Better long-term outcomes and decreased risk of ulcer recurrence
Schedule Your Consultation
Medical Vascular Partners is a physician-led outpatient practice dedicated to diagnosing and treating arterial and venous conditions using advanced, minimally invasive techniques. Our team focuses on identifying the vascular causes of non-healing ulcers and restoring circulation to help wounds heal properly and protect long-term limb health. If you or a loved one is struggling with a non-healing arterial or venous ulcer, schedule a consultation in Austin, TX, today.
