Arterial Ulcers (Ischemic Ulcers)
Understanding causes, treatment, and how to protect your legs and feet
An arterial ulcer is a wound caused by poor blood flow to the legs, feet, or toes. These wounds require specialized care to prevent infection, reduce pain, and support healing. WoundDirect brings advanced wound care directly to you and helps you understand how to care for your wound at home.
What is an arterial ulcer?
An arterial ulcer is an open wound that develops when blood flow through the arteries is reduced. This is most commonly caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD). These ulcers often occur on the legs, feet, or toes and can be slow to heal without proper treatment.
Common causes
Arterial ulcers are most often linked to:
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Heart disease
- Smoking
These conditions reduce circulation and limit the oxygen and nutrients needed for healing.
How arterial ulcers are treated
The primary goal is to improve blood flow to the affected area. Your provider may recommend:
- Advanced wound care and dressings
- Medications to support circulation and overall vascular health
- Angioplasty or other vascular procedures (when appropriate)
- Bypass surgery in severe cases
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (for select patients)
- Lifestyle changes such as smoking cessation, nutrition support, and activity as directed
How to care for your wound at home
Follow your provider’s instructions, which may include:
- Cleaning the wound as directed
- Applying prescribed treatments
- Keeping the wound covered
- Protecting the area from pressure or injury
- Wearing protective footwear when advised
Pain management
Pain can occur with arterial ulcers. Your provider will work with you on a plan that may include topical treatments, oral medications, and therapies to support circulation.
When to call your provider
Contact WoundDirect right away if you notice any of the following:
- Increased pain
- A cold, pale, or discolored foot or leg
- New wounds, blisters, or skin openings
- Redness, swelling, warmth, unusual drainage, or odor
- Fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting
- Sudden increase in blood sugar (for patients with diabetes)
These may be signs of infection or worsening circulation—don’t wait to reach out.
What can happen if an arterial ulcer is not treated?
Without proper care, arterial ulcers can lead to:
- Severe infection
- Bone infection
- Tissue loss
- Amputation
Early treatment greatly improves healing outcomes.
How to prevent arterial ulcers
Do
- Inspect your legs and feet daily (including between toes)
- Check shoes and socks for rubbing, holes, or objects
- Protect legs and feet from injury with properly fitting shoes
- Wash and dry legs/feet thoroughly; moisturize dry skin as directed (avoid between toes)
- Manage diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol as prescribed
- Eat a balanced diet and maintain a healthy weight
- Quit smoking
- Stay active as directed by your provider
Don’t
- Walk barefoot or wear thin slippers indoors or outdoors
- Soak your feet (hot water can burn and soaking can dry the skin)
- Trim ingrown or thick toenails yourself—see a clinician
- Ignore new blisters, cracks, or color changes
WoundDirect Mobile Care
WoundDirect brings advanced wound care to your home or facility, including vascular-focused treatment plans, infection prevention, dressing management, and ongoing monitoring and education.
Website: www.wounddirect.com
Email: info@wounddirect.com
Office Phone: 512.640.5111
Office eFax: 512.640.5115
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