Patient Education: Arterial Ulcer – Stasis Wound

What Is an Arterial Ulcer?

An arterial ulcer is an open sore that forms on the lower legs or feet when blood flow in the arteries is poor. Poor blood flow means oxygen and nutrients cannot reach the skin and tissue, which can cause the skin to break down and form a wound.

Causes of Arterial Ulcers

• Narrowing or blockage of arteries (peripheral artery disease)
  
  

• Smoking
  
  

• High blood pressure
  
  

• Diabetes
  
  

• High cholesterol
  
  

• Trauma or injury to the foot or leg
  
  

• Prolonged pressure on one area
  
  

Prevention

• Keep blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol under control.
  
  

• Do not smoke.
  
  

• Inspect your feet and legs daily for cuts, redness, or sores.
  
  

• Avoid walking barefoot.
  
  

• Wear well-fitting shoes.
  
  

• Avoid prolonged pressure on the feet or legs.
  
  

• Exercise regularly to improve circulation if your doctor allows.
  
  

Treatment (as per your doctor’s order)

• The wound will be cleaned gently.
  
  

• Dressings will be applied and changed as instructed.
  
  

• Special ointments or medicines may be applied to help healing.
  
  

• Surgery or procedures may be recommended to improve blood flow.
  
  

• Avoid putting pressure directly on the wound.
  
  

• Take all prescribed medications, including antibiotics and pain medicine, as ordered.
  
  

What To Do if the Dressing is Compromised

A compromised dressing means it is wet, dirty, loose, or has fallen off.

• Wash your hands before touching the wound.
  
  

• Replace with a clean dressing if you have supplies.
  
  

• If you cannot replace it, call your home health nurse.
  
  

• If the wound is bleeding heavily, go to the emergency room.
  
  

Signs and Symptoms of Infection

• Redness spreading around the wound
  
  

• Swelling or warmth around the area
  
  

• Pus or foul-smelling drainage
  
  

• Fever or chills
  
  

• Increased pain
  
  

Signs and Symptoms of Worsening Wound

• Wound edges pull apart
  
  

• Ulcer becomes larger or deeper
  
  

• Skin around the wound turns black or dies
  
  

• No signs of healing after weeks
  
  

Diet for Wound Healing

• Protein: chicken, fish, eggs, beans, tofu
  
  

• Fruits and vegetables: especially those high in vitamin C (like oranges and strawberries)
  
  

• Whole grains for energy
  
  

• Zinc-rich foods: seeds, nuts, lean meats
  
  

• Drink plenty of water
  
  

⚠️ Important: If you have kidney problems, talk with your doctor or home health nurse before changing your diet.

When to Contact Your Home Health Nurse or Doctor

• Dressing becomes loose, wet, or dirty
  
  

• Mild redness, swelling, or drainage
  
  

• Pain increases slightly
  
  

• Questions about wound care or diet
  
  

When to Go to the Emergency Room

• Heavy bleeding that does not stop
  
  

• Large amounts of pus or foul-smelling drainage
  
  

• Fever with chills
  
  

• Rapidly spreading redness
  
  

• Severe pain not relieved by medicine
  
  

• Signs of sepsis (confusion, fast heartbeat, trouble breathing)
  
  

Additional Information

• Avoid pressure on the ulcer; do not walk barefoot.
  
  

• Keep feet and legs warm, but avoid tight socks that reduce blood flow.
  
  

• Smoking and uncontrolled diabetes make healing slower.
  
  

• Follow all instructions for medications, dressings, and follow-up appointments.
  
  

Patient Homework/Assessment – True or False

1. True or False: An arterial ulcer forms due to poor blood flow in the arteries.
   
   

2. True or False: Arterial ulcers usually appear on the lower legs or feet.
   
   

3. True or False: Smoking increases the risk of arterial ulcers.
   
   

4. True or False: High blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol are risk factors for arterial ulcers.
   
   

5. True or False: Walking barefoot is safe if you have an arterial ulcer.
   
   

6. True or False: Well-fitting shoes help prevent arterial ulcers.
   
   

7. True or False: A compromised dressing is wet, dirty, loose, or off the wound.
   
   

8. True or False: You should tape a dirty dressing back on the wound.
   
   

9. True or False: Signs of infection include redness, swelling, pus, or fever.
   
   

10. True or False: Wound edges pulling apart may indicate the wound is worsening.
    
    

11. True or False: Eating protein, fruits, vegetables, and zinc-rich foods helps wounds heal.
    
    

12. True or False: People with kidney problems should talk to their doctor before changing diet for wound healing.
    
    

13. True or False: Elevating your legs and avoiding pressure on the ulcer helps healing.
    
    

14. True or False: Fever with chills is a reason to contact your nurse, but not the emergency room.
    
    

15. True or False: You should follow your doctor’s instructions for medications, dressings, and follow-up appointments.
    
    

16. True or False: Tight socks that reduce blood flow can slow wound healing.
    
    

17. True or False: Controlling blood sugar helps improve wound healing.
    
    

18. True or False: Heavy bleeding that does not stop requires going to the emergency room.
    
    

19. True or False: Rapidly spreading redness around the wound is an urgent warning sign.
    
    

20. True or False: Pressure on the ulcerated area speeds up healing.
    
    

Answer Key with Explanations

1. True – Poor arterial blood flow prevents oxygen and nutrients from reaching the skin.
   
   

2. True – Arterial ulcers usually occur on the feet or lower legs.
   
   

3. True – Smoking damages blood vessels and slows healing.
   
   

4. True – High blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol damage arteries and increase risk.
   
   

5. False – Walking barefoot can cause injury and infection.
   
   

6. True – Proper shoes protect the feet and reduce risk of ulcers.
   
   

7. True – Wet, dirty, loose, or fallen-off dressings are compromised.
   
   

8. False – Dirty dressings must be replaced with clean ones to prevent infection.
   
   

9. True – Redness, swelling, pus, or fever are classic signs of infection.
   
   

10. True – Wound edges pulling apart suggest the ulcer is worsening.
    
    

11. True – Nutrition supports tissue repair and healing.
    
    

12. True – Kidney disease can limit safe protein or vitamin intake.
    
    

13. True – Elevating legs and reducing pressure helps blood flow and healing.
    
    

14. False – Fever with chills is an urgent sign; ER evaluation may be needed.
    
    

15. True – Following instructions ensures proper healing and prevents complications.
    
    

16. True – Tight socks reduce circulation and slow healing.
    
    

17. True – Controlled blood sugar supports healing and prevents infection.
    
    

18. True – Heavy bleeding is an emergency.
    
    

19. True – Rapidly spreading redness may indicate severe infection.
    
    

20. False – Pressure on the ulcer slows healing and can worsen the wound.
    © 2025 Judith Regan / K.N.O.W. – Knowledge for Nurturing Optimal Well-Being. All rights reserved. | Educational use only | Not a substitute for medical advice | In emergencies call 911