Leg and Foot Ulcers in Mobile, AL

The vascular specialists at Vascular Associates of South Alabama help patients prevent and treat leg and foot ulcers in Mobile, Alabama.

Up to 2 million Americans suffer from leg or foot ulcers every year. People with diabetes are at particular risk of developing ulcers in their feet or legs. If you're one of the many people in Mobile County, AL, facing daily discomfort and worry as a result of foot or leg ulcers, the caring medical professionals at Vascular Associates of South Alabama are here to help!

Dealing with sores that resist healing can be challenging, but our team is highly experienced in treating and preventing foot and leg ulcers. We specialize in providing comprehensive care for vascular conditions, including the latest available advancements in ulcer treatment and prevention. We're the Alabama Gulf Coast area's experts in limb salvage procedures, and you can count on us for the most effective strategies to help you regain and maintain healthier legs and feet.

Call 251-410-8272 to schedule your consultation at Vascular Associates in Mobile, AL!

Foot and Leg Ulcer Treatment and Prevention in Mobile County, AL

Vascular Associates of South Alabama offers care for a wide range of vascular or vein-related and artery-related health problems. Our team of qualified medical professionals can help you address your concerns about your leg or foot ulcers. We're here to answer your questions, examine your wound, and create a treatment plan to address your current situation as well as do our utmost to prevent similar problems in the future.

What are ulcers?

An ulcer is a wound or sore that won't heal or keeps coming back. If you have a sore that resists healing for several weeks, you're dealing with an ulcer. Some ulcers require medical intervention in order to achieve full healing. If a person has a vascular disease or circulatory disorder, they can be prone to ulcers that are especially reluctant to heal properly.

You may find venous foot or leg ulcers in a few different places, including the bottom of your foot, below your knee on in the inside of your leg, or anywhere that your feet tend to rub against one another. An ulcer may seep or ooze liquid or pus, and if untreated, it may grow larger with time.

Are foot or leg ulcers dangerous?

Ulcers commonly go deep, below the skin and far enough into the tissue to damage nerves. Since ulcers resist healing, the skin can't function as well as a protective barrier against bacteria. This puts ulcer patients at a significantly increased risk of infection. These infections can be severe. In addition, ulcers can cause chronic inflammation, chronic fatigue, and generalized weakness. Diabetics in particular are at risk of requiring a lower limb amputation as a result of problems associated with foot and lower leg ulcers. The bottom line? A wound that won't heal is always a serious concern and needs expert medical attention.

Who is at risk of developing leg or foot ulcers?

There are factors that increase a person's risk of having foot or leg ulcers. For example, women are twice as likely as men to suffer from this type of ulcer. Age is also a factor: Leg and foot ulcers are more commonly experienced by the elderly. People who are obese or carrying the extra weight of pregnancy are also at a higher risk, as is anyone with a family history of vein-related health issues. Certain health conditions (diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, high blood pressure, varicose veins, etc.) commonly contribute to the formation of ulcers. Hip replacement and knee replacement can increase risk, as can broken bones and paralysis. Smoking and a low level of physical activity are both risk factors, as well.

Treating and Preventing Foot and Leg Ulcers in Mobile, Alabama

What can you expect at your appointment in our office location in Mobile, AL? Your physician at Vascular Associates of South Alabama will first speak to you about your condition and examine the ulcer. The top priority is to help the wound to heal, while avoiding infection in the meantime. Ulcers are typically treated with a course of oral or topical antibiotics, in combination with diagnosing and treating the underlying cause that has led to the ulcer's formation.

In some cases, we recommend procedures that will close off damaged veins, as these can sometimes interfere with your body's ability to heal itself. We may also suggest procedures that will restore a healthy blood flow to your limb. Sometimes your doctor will advise the removal of any dead or damaged tissue around the ulcer. Treatment of ulcers will usually involve a combination of methods to achieve the best results. Your vascular specialist will work with you to help you make a well-informed decision about how you wish you proceed.

Leg and Foot Ulcer Specialist in Mobile, Alabama

If you have a wound or sore that is lingering, possibly worsening, but definitely not healing the way that a sore normally does, don't hesitate to reach out to your local vascular experts for assistance. We're here to help the people of Mobile County, and we're committed to providing top-notch care in our state-of-the-art facility. Allow our experienced and compassionate team of vascular specialists to help you live a healthier and happier life!