Peripheral Artery Disease and Wound Healing

Peripheral artery disease (PAD} is a condition that develops when the arteries that supply blood to the internal organs, arms and legs become completely or partially blocked. This blockage is caused by fatty plaque deposits that harden arteries, called atherosclerosis, and greatly reduce blood flow. Nearly 8 million adults over the age of 40 in the United States may have PAD. Jn fact, one in five people over the age of 60 are living with PAD.

PAD increases the risks of hard-to-heal wounds and is associated with lower-limb amputations by negatively
impacting ci.rculation and reducing blood flow to and from the legs. The supply of oxygen to cells is also limited due to plaque buildup in the artery walls making it difficult to heal wounds that appear on the lower extremities.

These may be risk factors for developing PAD:
• Diabetes
• High Blood Pressure
• High Cholesterol
• Smoking

Up to 25 percent of those with advanced PAD will experience an amputation within one year due to a non-healing wound. Although the long-term effects of PAD are serious, an astonishing 40 percent of people with PAD do not experience any symptoms.

Paris Regional Health Wound Care Center can perform non-invasive tests to diagnose and accurately treat PAD. An ankle-brachia I index (ABI) test is painless and easy and compares the blood pressure readings in the ankles with the blood pressure readings in the arms. An ABI can help diagnose PAD but cannot identify which arteries are narrowed or blocked. A Doppler ultrasound test may be done to see which artery or arteries are blocked.
If you are at risk for PAD, do not dismiss leg pain as part of growing old and seek care if you have these symptoms:
• Pain or cramps in the back of leg
• A pale or bluish skin color
• Numbness or tingling in the feet and legs
• Shiny skin, with loss of hair on legs
• Sores or wounds on the toes, legs or feet that do not heal

Come heal with us! People who are at risk for PAD should call Paris Regional Health Wound Care Center if they develop a wound. The specialized care provided by Paris Regional Health Wound Care Center may reduce healing times, increase healing rates and significantly lower amputation risks. For more information on identifying PAD and treating chronic or non-healing wounds, contact Paris Regional Health Wound Care Center located at 1128 Clarksville St. Suite 50 or call (903) 739-7620.