An arterial leg ulcer usually occurs on the foot or the lower part of the leg. These ulcers can be small and sometimes deep, and they are often quite painful.
They are caused when the arterial blood flow to the area is reduced. They often occur in people who have some form of heart disease.
The difference from a venous ulcer matters more than it might seem, because the treatments are not interchangeable. A venous leg ulcer occurs around the ankle, is shallow, and is caused by veins failing to return blood to the heart efficiently. An arterial ulcer is the opposite problem: blood is not arriving, rather than failing to leave.
That is why compression — the mainstay for venous ulcers — is handled differently here. Compression is very helpful for ulcers caused by vein problems, but if the blood flow in the arteries is too low, compression may need to be adjusted or avoided, and it is not suitable in the same way for severe arterial disease.
It is also why a blood flow test comes first. This is a simple, painless test measuring blood pressure at the ankle or toes, often called ABI or toe pressure, used to make sure compression is safe.
Some ulcers are caused by both vein and artery problems at the same time. These are called mixed ulcers, which is another reason careful blood flow assessment matters, rather than judging by appearance.
Exercise advice depends on the type of ulcer. If you have an arterial ulcer, ask your healthcare professional for advice rather than following general activity guidance.