Venous Stasis & Arterial Ulcer Comparison
Type of Wound
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Characteristics
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Risk Factors
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Venous Ulcer
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Arterial Ulcer
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- Full thickness wound
- Punched out appearance
- Wound edges are smooth
- Individual may complain of pain nocturnally; pain can be relieved by lowering the leg below heart level (i.e. dangling leg over the edge of the bed).
- Individuals prefer to sleep in a chair which impacts negatively on healing potential
- Located mainly on the lateral foot, but can occur anywhere on the lower leg or foot
- Lower extremities cool to touch
- Skin is pale, shiny, taut, and thin
- Periwound skin pale
- Minimal to no hair
- growth on lower limbs
- Minimal drainage
- Wound bed contains bright red granulation tissue
- May be secondary to peripheral arterial disease
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- Vascular insufficiency
- Uncontrolled Diabetes Mellitus with poor glycemic control
- Limited joint mobility
- Inadequate footwear
- Structural foot abnormality, ie. Charcot foot
- Retinopathy (poor eye sight)
- renal disease
- History of ulcers
- Increased age
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