Treating arterial ulcers differs fundamentally from venous because the cause is blood supply deficiency not elevated venous pressure. The primary treatment is restoring blood flow — reopening blocked arteries.
Treatment Steps:
- Comprehensive vascular assessment: ABPI measurement, color Doppler ultrasound, sometimes angiography to determine blockage location and severity.
- Revascularization: The definitive treatment — either angioplasty/stent or surgical bypass. This decision is made by the vascular surgeon.
- Wound care: Moist non-compressive dressings. Maintain wound moisture and prevent infection. Strong compression is prohibited with arterial ulcers.
- Risk factor management:
- Smoking cessation (most important step).
- Control diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol.
- Anti-platelet medications (aspirin or clopidogrel).
- Pain management: Strong analgesics as arterial ulcers are very painful. Referral to pain clinic if needed.
At BEIT TARIQ Center, we coordinate with vascular surgeons to ensure comprehensive assessment and rapid referral when needed.