Venous vs Arterial Ulcers: Key Difference, Symptoms & Causes

What Are Arterial Ulcers?

Arterial ulcers are different. They happen when your arteries can’t bring enough oxygen-rich blood to your legs and feet. Arteries are the blood vessels that carry fresh oxygen to every part of your body. When arteries get blocked or narrow, blood can’t flow freely. This means your skin doesn’t get the oxygen it needs, and wounds can form.

Arterial ulcers usually appear on the toes, heels, or feet. They often look round, dry, and deep. The skin around them might look pale or even black. These ulcers are very painful, especially when your legs are resting. Some people feel relief when they hang their legs over the edge of the bed because gravity helps blood flow a little better.

Signs and Symptoms of Venous Ulcers

Venous ulcers are often easy to spot if you know what to look for. They usually show up slowly, and the skin around them may change before the ulcer appears.

Here are some common signs:

• Swelling in the lower legs and ankles
• Skin that looks dark brown or red
• Itchy, dry, or flaky skin
• A sore that weeps fluid
• A shallow wound with irregular edges
• Pain that improves when you lift your legs

These ulcers often return if not cared for properly. That’s why doctors often suggest compression socks or leg elevation.

Signs and Symptoms of Arterial Ulcers

Arterial ulcers are more serious and can happen quickly. If you have blocked arteries, you may already notice other symptoms before the ulcer forms.

Look for these signs:

• Cold feet or legs
• Pale or bluish toes
• Shiny, tight skin with no hair
• A deep, round sore on the foot or toe
• Black or dead skin around the wound
• Pain that gets worse when lying down

These ulcers are harder to heal because your skin isn’t getting the blood it needs. It’s important to see a doctor right away.

What Causes Venous Ulcers?

Venous ulcers happen mostly because of poor blood return in the legs. This is called chronic venous insufficiency.

Some things that raise your risk include:

• Sitting or standing for long periods
• Being overweight
• Pregnancy
• Blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis)
• Family history of vein problems
• Aging

Healthy habits like moving more, wearing compression socks, and raising your legs can help prevent venous ulcers.

What Causes Arterial Ulcers?

Arterial ulcers are usually caused by poor blood flow from blocked arteries. This problem is called peripheral artery disease (PAD).

Risk factors include:

• Smoking
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• A history of heart disease or stroke
• Lack of exercise

To prevent arterial ulcers, you should keep your heart and blood vessels healthy. Staying active and eating well are key steps.

How Are Venous Ulcers Treated?

Treatment for venous ulcers focuses on improving blood flow back to the heart. This helps the sore heal faster. Doctors may suggest:

• Compression therapy: Wearing special socks or wraps to push blood up the leg
• Leg elevation: Raising your legs several times a day
• Cleaning and dressing the wound: Keeping the area clean and covered
• Exercise: Light walking to help with circulation
• Skin care: Moisturizers and gentle soaps

In some cases, you may need a special treatment like surgery or vein repair. But most people can manage venous ulcers with daily care.

How Are Arterial Ulcers Treated?

Because arterial ulcers are caused by blocked blood flow, the main goal is to improve circulation. Treatment may include:

• Medications: To improve blood flow or treat infections
• Stopping smoking: Smoking narrows arteries and slows healing
• Blood sugar control: Especially if you have diabetes
• Surgery or stents: To open blocked arteries
• Special wound care: Done by a doctor or nurse

Healing can take time, and in some cases, the ulcer might not heal until blood flow is improved. It’s important to follow your doctor’s advice closely.

Can Exercise Help with These Ulcers?

Yes, gentle movement is helpful, especially for venous ulcers. Walking helps push blood back up the legs. Our MyFitnessCoach app offers Prehab and Rehab workouts, light stretching, and movement routines to support better circulation. You can even build your own gentle leg routine to keep the blood flowing and reduce swelling.

For arterial ulcers, talk to your doctor first. They may recommend light activities to improve overall blood flow, especially if you have PAD.

How Can You Prevent Venous and Arterial Ulcers?

Prevention is always better than treatment. Here are some tips:

To prevent venous ulcers:

• Move your legs often
• Don’t sit or stand too long
• Elevate your legs daily
• Wear compression socks if needed
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Stay hydrated

To prevent arterial ulcers:

• Don’t smoke
• Eat a heart-healthy diet
• Manage your blood pressure and cholesterol
• Keep your blood sugar under control
• Stay active

MyFitnessCoach can help with all of this! It offers customized workouts, meal plans, yoga, and meditation, all in one app. Plus, it syncs with your wearable devices for easy tracking.

Venous vs Arterial Ulcers: An Easy Way to Remember

Still unsure how to tell them apart? Here’s a simple way to remember:

• Venous ulcers = Vein problem, ankle area, swelling, weepy wounds
• Arterial ulcers = Artery problem, feet/toes, deep pain, dry and cold skin

The location, look, and pain level are often the biggest clues.

Why You Should Take Leg Wounds Seriously

Any sore that doesn’t heal in a few weeks should be checked by a doctor. Delaying care can lead to infections, bigger wounds, or even the need for surgery. Ulcers are a sign of poor blood flow, and that means your body isn’t getting the help it needs.

With tools like MyFitnessCoach, you can monitor your health, stay active, and build better habits. Our fitness tracker, food logger, and rehab workouts are made to support your journey, whether you're dealing with circulation issues or just trying to stay in top shape.

Final Thoughts on Venous vs Arterial Ulcers

Both types of ulcers can be painful and slow to heal. But with the right care and healthy habits, you can manage or even prevent them. The key is to understand your body and take early action when you notice changes.

With MyFitnessCoach, you have the power to stay on track with your health. Whether you need a custom workout, help with meal planning, or relaxing yoga and meditation, it’s all in one easy-to-use app. You can even log your symptoms, track progress, and stay motivated every day.

Download the MyFitnessCoach app today and take the first step toward better health, stronger legs, and a more active life!