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What Is a Modified Unna Boot?

Unna boots are designed to help heal venous leg ulcers. These ulcers tend to develop in people with poor circulation, health problems such as diabetes, and in people who stand for most of the workday. A modified Unna boot has some advantages over the standard version.

  1. Function

    • Both the modified and traditional Unna boot help heal leg ulcers by compressing superficial veins and improving calf muscle pump function. The calf muscle pump is an action whereby the muscle contracts and compresses veins, forcing the blood to move.

    Identification

    • The Unna boot consists of a dressing-impregnated gauze bandage to be wrapped around the ulcerated area for compression.

    Modification Purpose

    • The modified Unna boot was created because most patients find the conventional Unna boot painful, according to an article in the December 1996 issue of "Nursing."

    Modified Boot

    • The modified Unna boot includes a hydrocolloid dressing to be placed over the ulcer and under the gauze. The hydrocolloid keeps the ulcer moist and thus decreases pain, which helps encourage leg movement.

    Features

    • The modified Unna boot is also available with zinc oxide paste evenly distributed within the compression bandage, and some have calamine added. These substances enhance the comfort factor.

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