Vascular Associates of South Alabama offers leg and foot ulcer treatment and prevention for people living in Daphne, Alabama.
Leg and foot ulcers affect up to 2 million Americans each year, causing pain, inconvenience, and worse: If left untreated, ulcers on the legs and feet can lead to serious infections, requiring limb-saving surgery or even amputation. Diabetics are at an increased risk of suffering from this type of ulcer, and with more and more people in our local communities being diagnosed with diabetes, leg and foot ulcers are a particular concern for many people in the Daphne area.
At Vascular Associates of South Alabama, we offer the specialized care necessary to successfully treat and prevent foot and leg ulcers. Our team of vascular specialists is dedicated to providing top-tier medical assistance to individuals struggling with the painful and often debilitating condition of leg and foot ulcers.
If a leg or foot ulcer is burdening you with nagging worry and discomfort, we're here to help! Our compassionate team has the skill and experience to help patients dealing with all types of vascular conditions. We offer a comprehensive approach to the prevention and treatment of leg and foot ulcers, bringing the most innovative advancements in the field to our patients in Daphne and elsewhere along the Baldwin County Eastern Shore. As South Alabama's experts in limb salvage procedures, we are committed to deploying the most effective strategies to help our patients regain and maintain the health of their legs and feet.
We invite you to contact us at 251-410-8272 to arrange a consultation at one of our convenient locations in the Daphne area. Let's get started on your journey to better health!
Foot and Leg Ulcer Treatment & Prevention Near Daphne, Alabama
Vascular Associates of South Alabama extends its specialized care to patients facing all types of vascular, vein, and artery-related health issues. Our team of qualified medical professionals is here to guide you through your concerns about leg or foot ulcers, performing thorough examinations, offering answers, and establishing tailored treatment plans aimed at addressing your current condition while striving to prevent future occurrences.
Understanding Leg and Foot Ulcers: What are They?
To put it simply, ulcers are wounds or sores that resist healing in the usual way. Instead of slowly sealing itself up again over time, an ulcer stays open, persisting for several weeks or repeatedly re-emerging. Medical intervention is often necessary to achieve complete healing with an ulcer, especially when vascular diseases or circulatory disorders are present, as they predispose individuals to stubborn ulcers that won't clear up on their own.
Foot and leg ulcers can manifest in any of several locations, including the bottom of the foot, below the knee on the inside of the leg, or in any area prone to friction and pressure (where they rub against one another). Ulcers sometimes ooze pus or fluid, and if left untreated, they can increase in size.
Do Ulcers Pose a Serious Threat to Your Health?
To put it briefly, yes, foot and leg ulcers can lead to dangerous health problems. Frequently, ulcers aren't merely skin-deep, instead penetrating far beneath the skin, where they can potentially damage nerves and compromise the skin's protective barrier against bacteria. This heightened vulnerability to infection, coupled with the risk of severe infections, chronic inflammation, fatigue, and weakness, underscores the necessity of expert medical intervention for persistent ulcers. For diabetics, the stakes are even higher: They are at significant risk of needing a lower limb amputation due to complications arising from ulcers.
What are the Risk Factors Linked to Leg and Foot Ulcers?
As with so many health issues, some people are more likely to have ulcers than others. Risk factors for developing leg and foot ulcers include biological sex, with women being twice as likely as men to suffer from this condition, and age, as older individuals are more commonly afflicted. Obesity, pregnancy, family history of vein-related issues, and various health conditions like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and high blood pressure further elevate the risk. Lifestyle factors such as smoking and low physical activity levels also contribute to the likelihood of developing ulcers. Also, if you've had a hip or knee replacement, broken bones, or have experience paralysis, these can all increase the risk of leg or foot ulcer formation.
The Eastern Shore's Local Experts in Leg and Foot Ulcers
If you've put off seeing a doctor about your leg or foot ulcer, let us set your mind at ease: In many cases, treatment starts as simply as taking a course of oral or topical antibiotics. Upon your first visit to our office, you can expect a thorough consultation where our physicians will discuss your condition, examine the ulcer, and prescribe medication to promote healing while preventing infection. We'll also plan how to address the underlying causes with the goal of preventing recurrence. In some instances, a procedure to close off damaged veins or restore healthy blood flow may be indicated, along with the removal of any dead or damaged tissue surrounding the ulcer. However, that's something your leg and foot ulcer specialist will discuss with you. We'll work with you to determine the best course of action to protect your future health.
Leg and Foot Ulcer Specialist in the Daphne Area
We urge anyone suffering from non-healing wounds or sores to seek the opinion of a doctor. Getting help now can spare you a lot of pain—and it just might be the difference between saving and losing a limb. Our team is ready to assist people in the Daphne area with a wide range of vascular conditions and related problems. Our commitment to providing exceptional care is unwavering, driven by our dedication to helping the people of South Alabama live healthier, happier lives.
Contact us online or call us at 251-410-8272 to schedule your appointment and take the first step towards healing.