Français

Living with Your Arterial Ulcer

A Guide for Patients and Caregivers

This guide is for you, our patient, and any caregivers who may be involved in your care.

This guide explains how we can help you to help your Arterial Ulcer. It is full of information to help you to understand what it going on with yoru body when you have a wound and what your body needs to heal the wound or, if it can't heal, to feel better. 

I have an Arterial Ulcer. What is that?

Arterial ulcers are the result of poor oxygen rich blood flow or minimal blood flow to the lower legs.  Without this oxygen rich blood, the skin and tissue become unhealthy.  The lack of blood supply can result in small cuts or scrapes failing to heal and eventually becoming wounds. 

How did i get this Arterial Ulcer?

Arterial ulcers are usually found on the leg or foot. The cause of the wound can be just about anything from tight fitting shoes or stepping on a tack to nicking yourself when you cut your toenails. Having an arterial ulcer means that you have a wound that won’t heal because, either your body cannot deliver blood to the wounded area, or the blood that is delivered is not rich in oxygen and nutrients. 

How will I know if I have Poor Blood Flow?

Your doctor will need to review all of your medical conditions and medications to make sure that they are all being well managed.

• Tests to determine the circulation/blood flow need to be done to determine if you have arterial disease: a disease of your arteries that affects blood flow to your arms and legs. Your doctor or nurse will do tests called an Ankle Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI) and/or a Toe Brachial Pressure Index (similar to having your blood pressure taken) to determine the blood flow to your foot. This can be done in your home, at our nursing clinic or at a vascular lab. If you have adequate blood flow to your foot and toes your chances of healing your wounds are higher and your risk for infection decreases. If you do not have adequate blood flow to your foot and toes your chances of healing are reduced and your risk for infection increases.
• Your doctor may refer you to a doctor that specializes in circulation called a vascular surgeon. The vascular surgeon will review your symptoms and possibly do further testing of your circulation.

Things I Can Do To Help My Arterial Ulcer Get Better

If I Smoke:

Smoking tobacco products is known to increase your risk for heart disease and your risk for damage to your lungs and arteries.

• I will check out smoking cessation programs.
• I will reduce the number of cigarettes I smoke in a day.
• I will ask my doctor about help with managing withdrawal from nicotine.

Increasing Blood Flow to My Legs

• I will go for a walk. (How often? How far?)
• I will use the treadmill. (How often? How far?).
• If I am sitting or standing for long periods, I will get up and walk every half hour. 
• When I am sitting, I will make sure that the seat does not press into the backs of my legs and cut off my circulation.

Skin Care

The skin on your legs may be dry and fragile. You are at higher risk for infection due to poor circulation. The goal of skin care is to keep your skin clean, protected and moisturized.

• I will wash my legs and feet daily using water and a mild, unscented soap.
• I will pat my skin dry after washing.
• I will moisturize my legs, feet and heels every day after I wash them using a non-scented, pH balanced lotion. (I will not put moisturizer between my toes because it can cause the skin to break down)
• I will protect my feet from injury by always wearing shoes or slippers.
• I will protect my feet from injury by avoiding tight fitting socks and shoes.
• I will protect my feet and legs from extreme temperatures and electric heating devices.

Managing Pain:

The reduced circulation in your legs can be painful

• I will start a pain diary so I know what helps my pain and what makes it worse.
• I will discuss pain management options with my doctor or nurse practitioner.
• I will avoid sleeping in a recliner or with my legs hanging over the edge of the bed as this causes my legs to swell.
• I will put the head end of my bed up on 4 or 6 inch high blocks so that gravity helps the blood get to my feet at night.
• If the weight of my bed covers increases my pain, I will use a bed hoop or a cardboard box to lift the covers off of my feet and legs.