Arterial Ulcer
Arteries carry blood from the heart to your body’s tissues. When the arteries in your leg or foot are narrowed or blocked, blood flow is interrupted. Arterial ulcers are also caused by damage to small blood vessels when you have diabetes or other blood circulation problems for a long time.
Arterial leg ulcers are caused by poor blood circulation as a result of narrowed arteries. Your tissues receive oxygen and nutrients from the blood. If you accidentally bump your leg, it can develop into an arterial ulcer.
Other causes include:
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- History of leg ulcers
- Coronary heart disease
- Atherosclerosis (fatty deposits in your arteries)
If you have any of the above causes it would be helpful to stop smoking, lose weight if you are overweight, reduce the amount of fat in your diet, keep your feet warm, avoid injuries to your feet and legs, and examine your feet and legs daily for any changes in color or the development of wounds.
It is very important to follow the directions given to you by your doctor or nurse. Your doctor may perform tests to look at the blood flow in your legs and feet. If some blood is getting to your legs and feet, the doctor will prescribe a bandage that will keep your wound moist. It is important to keep your legs and feet warm and protected from injury. Keep your legs pointed down so that gravity will help your blood flow freely.
If the blood flow in your legs is not very good, your doctor may recommend that you see a surgeon who will try to improve your circulation with surgery.
Wound Care Center
Regional Rehabilitation Institute
2908 Fifth Street (3rd Floor)
Rapid City, SD 57701
(605) 719-1309
Services are available Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.