Peripheral Arterial Disease and Non-Healing Wounds: Understanding the Connection

Peripheral Arterial Disease and Non-Healing Wounds: Understanding the Connection

A wound on your foot, toe or lower leg that does not heal can be more than a skin problem. In some cases, it may be a sign of peripheral artery disease (PAD), a common vascular condition that reduces blood flow to the legs and feet. When this happens, the body can't deliver the oxygen and nutrients needed for proper healing.

At Bronson Vascular & Endovascular Surgery Specialists, we help patients identify and treat blood flow problems before they lead to serious issues.

What Is PAD?

PAD occurs when plaque builds up inside the arteries, narrowing the vessels and slowing blood flow. PAD most often affects the legs and feet, making it harder for oxygen-rich blood to reach muscles, tissues and skin.

Some people with PAD experience leg pain or cramping when walking, while others may notice symptoms such as numbness, weakness or changes in skin color. For many patients, a wound that heals slowly or not at all may be one of the first signs that circulation has become a problem.

Risk factors for PAD include:

• Smoking or a history of smoking
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Excess weight
• Advanced age
• Family history of heart disease, stroke or PAD

Why Some Wounds Don't Heal

Healthy blood flow is essential for healing. Blood supplies injured tissue with oxygen, nutrients and infection-fighting cells that support the body's natural repair process.

PAD slows blood flow. When this happens, wounds can take longer to heal. They can become painful, increase in size or develop an infection. In advanced cases, severely restricted blood flow may cause tissue damage and increase the risk of limb loss.

If you have a wound that is not improving, it is important to determine whether an underlying blood flow problem may be contributing to the delay in healing.

Signs You Should Not Ignore

Talk to your doctor if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• Leg pain or cramping during walking or activity
• Wounds on the feet, toes or legs that heal slowly
• Coldness in one foot or leg
• Numbness, tingling or weakness in the lower extremities
• Pale, bluish or discolored skin on the legs or feet
• Slower nail growth or hair loss on the legs
• Foot pain while resting, especially at night

While these symptoms do not always indicate PAD, a healthcare provider should evaluate them.

How We Check for PAD

The Bronson Heart & Vascular team offers thorough testing to assess blood flow and find circulation problems. Depending on your symptoms, testing may include options that measure blood flow in the legs and feet or imaging that helps pinpoint areas of narrowing or blockage.

Once the problem is identified, your care team will create a treatment plan to help prevent the condition from progressing.

How PAD Is Treated

Treatment for PAD is based on the severity of the disease and each blood flow overall health. In many cases, lifestyle changes and medical management can improve blood flow and reduce symptoms. This may include:

• Stopping smoking
• Managing diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol
• Increasing physical activity
• Following a heart-healthy diet

For some patients, minimally invasive procedures or surgery may be recommended to restore blood flow to affected areas. Improving blood flow can support wound healing, reduce pain and help lower the risk of serious complications.

Early Care Can Help Protect Your Health

When PAD goes untreated, it can increase the risk of infection, tissue damage, heart attack, stroke and limb loss. Seeking care early can help preserve mobility, improve quality of life and support better long-term vascular health.

If you have a wound that won't heal or pain in your legs when you walk, talk to your doctor. These can be signs of PAD. To learn more about Bronson vascular care and treatment options, visit bronsonhealth.com/heart.

Published on October 21, 2026