A lower extremity ulcer is an open wound on the leg, ankle, or foot that does not heal properly. These wounds often develop slowly—and can worsen quickly without proper care.
If you have a sore that hasn’t improved in several weeks, it may be a sign of underlying circulation problems, diabetes, or vascular disease. Left untreated, lower extremity ulcers can lead to infection, hospitalization, or even limb loss.
At Well&You, we specialize in advanced wound care and vascular evaluation to protect healing—and preserve mobility.
What Is a Lower Extremity Ulcer?
A lower extremity ulcer is a chronic, non-healing wound that typically occurs on the lower leg or foot. Most ulcers develop because blood flow is either:
When circulation is compromised, oxygen delivery is reduced, preventing proper blood flow and wound closure.
You should seek evaluation if you notice:
Even small wounds can become serious if circulation is impaired.
Proper diagnosis guides effective treatment.
Healing depends on identifying the root cause. Evaluation may include wound assessment, vascular testing (ABI, arterial/venous ultrasound), diabetes review, and infection screening. If circulation is impaired, restoring blood flow may be necessary before healing can occur.
You can learn more about vascular conditions by visiting our Peripheral Artery Disease page.
Well&You provides comprehensive limb preservation care, combining vascular treatment with advanced wound therapy.
Advanced Wound Care May Include:
- Debridement (removal of non-viable tissue)
- Advanced dressings
- Compression therapy (for venous ulcers)
- Off-loading for pressure-related wounds
- Infection management
Vascular Intervention (When Needed)
If poor circulation is identified, treatment may include:
- Angioplasty
- Atherectomy
- Stent placement
- Vein procedures
Restoring blood flow is often the key to healing.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)
For select complex or non-healing ulcers, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy may be recommended. HBOT helps by:
- Increasing oxygen delivery to damaged tissue
- Supporting cellular repair
- Reducing infection risk
- Promoting new blood vessel growth
Ulcers rarely heal without addressing underlying circulation problems.
Approach | Addresses Circulation | Reduces Amputation Risk | Healing Potential |
| Vascular + Wound Care |  | | High |
| Basic Home Care Only |  | Limited | Low |
| Ignoring Symptoms | | High Risk | Worsens |
Lower extremity ulcer treatment is typically covered by insurance when medically necessary. Well&You works with most major insurance plans, including Medicare.
Our Patient Navigators help you:
You can learn more by visiting our Insurance & Coverage page.
You may need prompt care if you:
Early intervention dramatically improves healing outcomes.
Lower extremity ulcers are one of the leading causes of preventable amputations.
Without treatment, ulcers may:
The longer circulation problems go untreated, the harder healing becomes.
Early vascular evaluation and advanced wound care protect not just your skin—but your mobility, independence, and long-term health.
Patients receiving comprehensive ulcer care at Well&You often report:
Healing takes time—but structured, specialized care improves outcomes.
If you have a wound on your leg or foot that isn’t healing, don’t wait for it to worsen. Early intervention can prevent serious complications and protect your mobility.
