Arterial Foot Ulcers: A Warning Sign You Shouldn’t Ignore

If you have a painful sore on your foot that won’t heal, especially near your toes or heels, it could be more than just a skin issue—it could be an arterial ulcer, a serious condition caused by poor blood flow to the lower extremities.

At LA Wound Care by LA Vascular Specialists, we specialize in diagnosing and treating arterial foot ulcers with advanced vascular techniques and personalized care plans.

What Is an Arterial Foot Ulcer?

An arterial foot ulcer (also called an ischemic ulcer) is a type of wound caused by inadequate blood supply to the tissues. This occurs when arteries become narrowed or blocked, typically due to peripheral artery disease (PAD), diabetes, or smoking-related vascular damage.

Without proper circulation, the body cannot deliver enough oxygen and nutrients to heal wounds. Even small injuries to the feet or toes can become painful, slow-healing ulcers.

Common Signs and Symptoms

• ✔ Location: Toes, heels, or pressure points on the feet
• ✔ Appearance: Deep, round, “punched out” lesions with well-defined edges
• ✔ Pain: Often severe, especially at night or when legs are elevated
• ✔ Skin changes: Cool or cold skin, shiny appearance, pale or bluish color
• ✔ Weak or absent pulse in the feet
• ✔ Delayed healing or recurring ulcers

These ulcers are often not surrounded by swelling or oozing, unlike venous ulcers. The skin around the wound may appear thin, dry, and atrophic.

What Causes Arterial Foot Ulcers?

• ✔ Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
• ✔ Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
• ✔ Diabetes-related arterial damage
• ✔ Smoking
• ✔ High blood pressure or high cholesterol

If left untreated, arterial ulcers can lead to serious complications, including infection, gangrene, or even amputation.

How We Treat Arterial Ulcers at LA Wound Care

• ✔ Vascular imaging (arterial Doppler ultrasound) to locate blockages
• ✔ Endovascular procedures like angioplasty or stenting to restore blood flow
• ✔ Wound care therapies including debridement, specialized dressings, and oxygen therapy
• ✔ Risk factor management (blood sugar, cholesterol, smoking cessation)
• ✔ Collaboration with podiatrists and other specialists when necessary

Our goal is not just to heal the ulcer—but to treat the root cause and prevent future wounds.

When to Seek Help

If you have a non-healing sore on your foot—especially if you have diabetes, heart disease, or a history of smoking—don’t wait. Early intervention can prevent the need for surgery or amputation.

Why Choose LA Wound Care?

• ✔ 20+ years of vascular expertise by Dr. Ramtin Massoudi
• ✔ Advanced diagnostics and treatment under one roof
• ✔ Multiple convenient locations in Encino, Glendale, and Los Angeles
• ✔ Multilingual team fluent in English, Farsi, and Armenian
• ✔ Personalized, compassionate care

Don’t Wait for It to Get Worse

Chronic wounds are a sign of serious circulatory problems. If you or a loved one is suffering from a foot ulcer, call us today at 310-855-7171 or book your appointment online with LA Wound Care by LA Vascular Specialists. Let us help you heal—starting from the inside out.