Health
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are Arterial Ulcers?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Arterial ulcers are ulcers which are caused by an insufficient supply of freshly oxygenated blood which leads to slow wound healing and exposes the body to the risk of inflammation in wounds which become chronic instead of resolving. These ulcers are most commonly found in the lower extremities and are especially frequent on the feet in patients who experience them. There are a number of conditions which can cause arterial ulcers and people who are at increased risk of developing them may be given special directions by their doctors so that they can learn to identify such ulcers quickly.

When the arteries are not supplying enough fresh blood, it is hard for wounds to heal. A small cut or scrape can fail to resolve, and skin which is damaged because of jutting bone, poorly fitting shoes, or chafing clothing will not heal. Likewise, if the nails are cut back too far or a nail becomes ingrown, this can also cause a poorly healed injury. Over time, this can develop into an arterial ulcer.

Diabetics may be at an increased risk of developing arterial ulcers.
Diabetics may be at an increased risk of developing arterial ulcers.

Arterial ulcers are characterized by areas of sunken, pitted tissue which may seep with wound exudate. The surrounding area can be yellow, brown, reddish, gray, or black in color. Since the ulcer often becomes inflamed or infected, it may be reddish, tender to the touch, and swollen. Over time, the ulcer can spread. Arterial ulcers are usually very painful. It is possible to have just one ulcer or multiple ulcers.

Arterial ulcers frequently occur on the feet.
Arterial ulcers frequently occur on the feet.

Causes for arterial ulcers can include chronic arterial insufficiency, diabetes, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease. Also known as ischemic ulcers, these ulcers are a cause for concern among such patients. They can also appear in seemingly healthy patients since sometimes the signs of arterial obstruction are not readily apparent until the patient starts developing secondary complications like ulcers. In patients who are known to be at risk, prevention includes careful management of the patient's chronic condition, along with promotion of good circulation.

High blood pressure may cause arterial ulcers.
High blood pressure may cause arterial ulcers.

Management of arterial ulcers requires several approaches. In the first place, the ulcer itself must be addressed. This can include giving antibiotics to fight infection, providing patients with analgesia, and cleaning the wound to remove dead tissue. However, treatment will not necessarily promote healing or prevent a recurrence because the underlying cause is still present. Thus, steps must also be taken to improve circulation. This can include wearing specialized garments, prescribing medications, or performing surgery, depending on the nature of the condition which lead to the development of the ulcers.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

discographer

I've heard that compression bandages are helpful for arterial foot ulcers. Has anyone tried them?

My grandmother is having an issue with her circulation due to high blood pressure and has developed two arterial ulcers on her feet. Her doctor has given her antibiotics and a topical cream to help heal them. But I read online that compression therapy which is basically done by using bandages and applying light pressure on the area of the ulcer helps a lot.

I'm wondering if we should get some for my grandmother. Has anyone used and benefited from them?

burcidi

@ddljohn-- Arterial ulcers and venous ulcers are ulcers of the feet but arterial ulcers happen at the toes whereas venous ulcers happen around the ankle or above. Yes, you would be at risk for both as a diabetes patient.

There are also a few differences in the symptoms of the two. Arterial ulcers are much more painful than venous ulcers. With venous ulcers, it won't hurt much sitting down or walking. But arterial ulcers cause a lot of pain while walking and even pain when laying down and resting.

Some other differences are that there is swelling with venous ulcers but not in arterial. Arterial ulcers cause a feeling of coldness in the area but venous ulcers don't. Also, you can feel a pulse in the feet with venous ulcers but can't with arterial.

In terms of treatment, care and prevention though, the methods are the same in the two.

ddljohn

I've recently been diagnosed with diabetes and have had circulation problems in my legs and feet even before the diagnosis. I've always noticed that deeply cut nails or any cut on my feet always takes a really long time to heal even though none has developed into an ulcer yet, thankfully.

My doctor told me to be really careful though and to make sure to visit him if I notice anything out of the ordinary and if healing periods of any cuts and injuries in this area take even longer than they do now. He also mentioned ulcers to me, although I thought he said venous ulcers and not arterial ulcers. I might just be remembering the term wrongly.

Do venous ulcers have anything to do with arterial ulcers? How are they similar or different and am I at risk for both?

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Diabetics may be at an increased risk of developing arterial ulcers.
      By: Mercedes Fittipaldi
      Diabetics may be at an increased risk of developing arterial ulcers.
    • Arterial ulcers frequently occur on the feet.
      By: Arman Zhenikeyev
      Arterial ulcers frequently occur on the feet.
    • High blood pressure may cause arterial ulcers.
      By: Sandor Kacso
      High blood pressure may cause arterial ulcers.
    • Atherosclerosis, which is a narrowing of the arteries, is a possible cause of arterial ulcers.
      By: GraphicCompressor
      Atherosclerosis, which is a narrowing of the arteries, is a possible cause of arterial ulcers.
    • Diabetics need to monitor ulcers and other wounds in order to help ensure proper healing.
      By: dalaprod
      Diabetics need to monitor ulcers and other wounds in order to help ensure proper healing.
    • When the arteries are not supplying enough oxygen, small cuts or scrapes may not heal properly.
      By: WideAwake
      When the arteries are not supplying enough oxygen, small cuts or scrapes may not heal properly.
    • Arterial ulcers may cause swelling, pain, redness, brown discoloration or dry, scaly skin.
      By: schankz
      Arterial ulcers may cause swelling, pain, redness, brown discoloration or dry, scaly skin.
    • Prescription medications may be part of the treatment for managing arterial ulcers.
      By: Scott Griessel
      Prescription medications may be part of the treatment for managing arterial ulcers.
    • Causes for arterial ulcers may include cardiovascular disease.
      By: oscar williams
      Causes for arterial ulcers may include cardiovascular disease.
    • Surgery may be performed to improve circulation and treat arterial ulcers.
      By: muratolmez
      Surgery may be performed to improve circulation and treat arterial ulcers.