Unna Boot

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

An Unna boot is a compression dressing made by wrapping layers of gauze around your leg and foot. It is often used to protect an ulcer or open wound. The compression of the dressing helps improve blood flow in your lower leg. Compression also helps decrease swelling and pain. You may need to wear the boot for a few weeks or until your wound heals.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Follow up with your healthcare provider as directed: Your Unna boot will be changed by a healthcare provider at least once every 7 days. Your wound will be cleaned and measured to make sure it is healing with each boot change. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

Keep your boot dry: Ask how to cover it when you take a shower or bath.

Self-care:

• Manage your health conditions. Your wound may not heal or new wounds may form if your health conditions are not controlled. Take your medicines as directed. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions if you have high blood pressure. Check your blood sugar levels as directed if you have diabetes.
  
  
• Walk for exercise. This will help the boot compress and improve blood flow. Ask your healthcare provider how long you should walk each day.
  
  
• Eat a variety of healthy foods to promote wound healing. Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meats, and fish. Ask if you need to be on a special diet.

Contact your healthcare provider if:

• Your boot feels very tight or loose after you walk.
  
  
• Drainage from your wound soaks through the boot.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Remove the boot and return to the emergency department if:

• Your leg itches and feels warm.
  
  
• Your toes tingle, feel numb, or change color.
  
  
• Your boot causes pain in your foot or leg when you walk.
  
  
• You have swelling above or below your boot.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.