Arterial Leg Ulcers

Arterial ulcers, also known as Ischemic ulcers or Ischemic wounds, develop as the result of damage to the arteries due to lack of blood flow to the tissue. They are commonly caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD). Unlike other ulcers, these leg wounds can take months to heal, if they heal at all.

With over 30 years of experience, our expert cardiovascular specialists at CACVI are able to help you find the best solution for your Arterial ulcers. We carry out diagnosis and work with you to decide which procedure is the best fit for your situation. If you or one of your loved ones is suffering from this type of leg ulcer, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today for a consultation. But for many who are unaware of arterial ulcers, information about the symptoms of arterial ulcers can be helpful in starting treatment immediately, which doctors recommend, enabling patients to learn about .

Understanding Arterial Leg Ulcers

Quick answer

An arterial leg ulcer is a wound that will not heal because too little blood is reaching your leg. Plaque narrows or blocks the arteries, the tissue starves, and a sore opens up. They usually appear on the outer ankle, heel, toes or feet, look punched out, and hurt badly, often worse at night. The skin nearby turns tight, shiny and hairless. These wounds can take months to heal, if they heal at all.

Arterial leg ulcers are wounds that fail to heal due to poor blood supply to the legs through the arteries. It often occurs when the arteries are blocked or narrowed, caused by atherosclerosis.

When situations of leg ulcers occur, it could be arterial or venous leg ulcers. As mentioned above, arterial leg ulcers are caused by poor blood flow through the arteries. When this occurs, the skin around an arterial ulcer can appear pale or shiny.

On the other hand, venous leg ulcers are caused by chronic venous insufficiency. It happens when the leg veins fail to return blood back to the heart efficiently. This leads to pooling of blood and increased pressure in the veins. They are likely to occur on the inner leg just above the ankle.

In comparison, venous leg ulcers are less painful than arterial ulcers. Also, the skin may appear discolored or swollen for venous ulcers.

Causes and Risk Factors of Leg Ulcers

Atherosclerosis is the main cause of arterial leg ulcers. It is a condition where there is an accumulation of plaque inside the artery walls. This limits blood flow supply to the legs. When this happens, it can lead to cell death and ulcer formation.

Smoking is another cause of arterial leg ulcers as it is a risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis. The chemicals in tobacco can damage the lining of the arteries, promote plaque buildup, and decrease oxygen in the blood. Furthermore, Diabetes and Hypertension, when poorly controlled, can lead to the development of arterial leg ulcers.

Age and Gender are also risk factors for arterial leg ulcers. As individuals become older, the arteries naturally become stiffer and narrower. And as for gender, men are generally at higher risk of developing atherosclerosis at a younger age than women.

Another risk factor for arterial leg ulcers would be living a sedentary lifestyle. In addition, family history and genetics play a role in the susceptibility of any individual to atherosclerosis and arterial leg ulcers.

What are the Symptoms of Arterial Ulcers?

Arterial ulcers often form on the outer side of the ankle, feet, heels, or toes. They can form in other areas, too. These ulcers are painful and have a “punched out” appearance.

Other symptoms or characteristics of arterial ulcers include:

red, yellow, or black sores
deep wound
tight, hairless skin
leg pain at night
no bleeding
the affected area is cool or cold to touch from minimal blood circulation
leg reddens when dangled and turns pale when elevated

Treatment Options

There are different treatment options for arterial leg ulcers, depending on the severity of the condition. For the initial stage, conservative treatments like pain management and foot care are recommended. Given the painful nature of arterial leg ulcers, pain relievers are often prescribed, depending on the severity of the pain. We also advise patients to keep their feet clean and dry to avoid injuries. Wearing appropriate footwear also helps prevent new ulcers from developing.

In managing arterial leg ulcers, the wound should regularly be cleaned and dressed to prevent infection. Debridement of the wound is also necessary to reduce the risk of infection and promote healing. If an infection is present, it may be treated with antibiotics. However, you must consult with your healthcare provider and avoid self-medication.

You can also manage arterial leg ulcers by making some lifestyle changes like quitting smoking and exercising regularly. These help to reduce the chances of developing atherosclerosis.

In severe cases of arterial leg ulcers, you might be recommended for surgical options like angioplasty and stenting. It involves inflating a small balloon inside the artery to open the blockage. Then, a stent is placed to keep the artery open.

A bypass surgery may also be recommended to reroute the blood flow around the blocked or narrowed artery. This improves blood supply to the affected area. In very severe cases where the ulcer does not heal and there is a significant risk of infection spreading, amputation of the affected limb may be necessary.

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Michael Prae

A little blonde Russian woman named Natasha asked me to post about her renal procedure. It was done by Dr. Khorsandi at CACVI. They took absolutely amazing care of her and went above and beyond to treat her terribly high blood pressure. They lasered her renal artery. After the procedure it wouldn’t stop bleeding so they ended up staying w her at the center until 9pm. That’s when they finally had to call the ambulance to move her to E.R. All of the staff were incredibly professional and their care was second to none. Dr. Lala promised her that her high blood pressure would go away. It has and now she’s throwing out all her old med’s just like Lala promised. This group of Doctors is like no other. If you have any of these cardiac issues then you’ve found your saving grace. No need to look any further. They were incredibly patient and helpful in every medical way possible. Natasha has found a new way of living. Without her terrible pounding migraines she had on a daily basis. 5 stars all the way. They deserve all the praise possible. They provided a miracle. Thank you Dr’s Lala & Khorsandi.

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Nick Derian

On behalf of my father, a patient of CACVI, I wanted to acknowledge and praise the entire team of this organization for its outstanding surgical expertise and knowledgeable/warm supporting staff. We had gone through countless recommendations that all claimed there was only one last option for treatment, amputation. That news is devastating for anyone to hear, and resulted in my father having little faith that the quality of his life would ever be the same... All that changed the moment we had our first interaction with this organization. The care, knowledge, and most importantly hope that there was still options if we acted fast was single moment that turned this entire nightmare around. Thank you CACVI for being the single most important piece to solving my father's health crisis. Dont think twice, make the appointment and atleast go meet and see them-- for us it was the moment that changed the trajectory of our situation forever for the better.

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Matt Golad

I’m 41 years old, and I have something called May-Thurner’s Syndrome. However, it wasn’t until I saw Dr. Vasim Lala a couple years ago that I was diagnosed with it. May-Thurner’s syndrome is when the main veins that split off into your legs is compressed by the main arteries that split off into your legs. The result is that the blood that should be coming back up through the leg veins pools at your ankles. My whole life until I was diagnosed, I was lethargic. My legs felt heavy. I started to develop purple bruising around my ankles in my twenties. I started to get varicose veins on my calves. I thought this was normal. I was living on “hard mode” and didn’t know it. If I was on my feet for extended periods of time, my legs would swell a lot. I thought maybe I need to lose some weight. When I started teaching a few years ago, I would be on my feet 6-8 hours a day. One day, I got home, and my left leg was so swollen my wife was concerned I had a blood clot. I went to the emergency room, and thankfully it was just superficial. I temporarily went on blood thinners and was recommended to see Dr. Lala. He changed my life. I’d shown my purpling ankles to GP’s. They’d seen my varicose veins. But none if them put all the signs together until I saw Dr. Lala. He diagnosed me with May-Thurner’s syndrome and recommend we put stents in my veins to prevent them from being compressed by the arteries. So we did the surgeries. Out patient procedures. My legs stopped swelling a lot. I started wearing compression socks. I had to be on blood thinners for a year, but eventually I was able to stop taking them which was great. But I still had varicose veins in my legs because they had widened from the blood pooling in them for years. I’ve had two ablations per leg since them, which closes the affected veins, and I’ve got a new lease on life. My legs feel lighter. They don’t swell nearly as much. The varicose veins have disappeared. Now, I’m lighter on my feet. I’m not lethargic. There’s a pep in my step. I have one more ablation each being scheduled. I’m thankful for Dr. Lala and his incredible team at CACVI for their diagnosis and treatment. It truly changed my life.

4 months ago Tarzana Read on Google

PAK SHIP ALL

On August 27, 2025, I had my leg Angio done with Dr. K. who is best of the best. Amazing Doctor and extremely knowledgeable. The nurse who helped me, JULIAN she has a very kind heart. She has a lot of knowledge and made me feel extremely relaxed. She went above and beyond her responsibilities. It seems God made her to be kind and caring for all the patients. I salute her and look forward to having same nurse for procedure in my other leg. I came home with a big Smile. Thank you Thank you Thank you

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Looking for the Best Varicose Vein Doctors Near You?

Living with varicose veins can make even basic activities, such as walking, feel tiring or uncomfortable. With expert care, you can improve circulation, reduce discomfort, and even prevent your condition from worsening over time.

The most effective way to treat varicose veins is through professional diagnosis and personalized treatment. With the help of a doctor, you can understand what’s causing your symptoms and start treatments that help you get back to what you love doing without discomfort.

At CACVI, our mission is to help patients regain comfort through expert vein care. Our board-certified doctors use advanced, minimally invasive treatments to safely and effectively manage varicose veins, so you can get back to living fully, without pain or worry. Take the first step toward a healthier life and schedule a consultation with the best varicose vein doctors in Los Angeles today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you still have questions about varicose veins? We answered some of the most common questions to address your concerns.

Do I Need to See a Doctor for Varicose Veins?

Yes, you should, especially if you’re experiencing leg pain, swelling, or skin discoloration. These symptoms may be signs of a more serious condition, like chronic venous insufficiency or even blood clots. A specially trained vein specialist can evaluate your veins and create a treatment plan to restore proper blood flow.

How to Treat Varicose Veins in Kids?

Though rare in children, they can develop varicose veins if there’s a family history of the condition. Most cases only require monitoring and healthy lifestyle changes. However, a specialist may suggest noninvasive treatments to prevent larger varicose veins from developing as the child grows.

What Is the Newest Procedure for Varicose Veins?

The latest treatments include laser ablation, radiofrequency therapy, and VenaSeal. These minimally invasive procedures close off faulty veins, allowing blood to flow more efficiently through healthier ones. They’re safer, faster, and more comfortable than traditional surgery, with quicker recovery times.

Does Insurance Cover Varicose Vein Treatment?

Your insurance will cover your vein treatment if it is deemed medically necessary. Varicose vein removal for cosmetic purposes is usually not covered. Always confirm with your provider before starting a treatment plan.

Can You Get Rid of Varicose Veins Without Surgery?

Yes, you can, especially if your varicose veins are mild to moderate. Non-surgical options like laser or radiofrequency treatments can close off damaged veins without the need for surgery. Combined with healthy habits, these can greatly reduce visible veins and prevent new ones from forming.

Schedule a personalized assessment and find out your treatment options.

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Dr. Moinakhtar Lala and Dr. Mehran J. Khorsandi of CACVI

Dr. M Lala, Dr. Mehran J. Khorsandi and Dr. V Lala

Meet Your Specialists

The Center for Advanced Cardiac and Vascular Interventions (CACVI) is led by Dr. M Lala, Dr. Khorsandi, and Dr. V Lala, who have over thirty years of practice with over 15,000 vascular and cardiac procedures performed. Our physicians are determined to provide each patient with experienced, compassionate care as they work diligently to improve your health.