Venous leg ulcers are a bothersome, often painful chronic sore that requires special treatment to remedy. Familiarizing yourself with the causes and symptoms can help you identify this issue early and begin the appropriate treatment. Below are some answers to help you limit the impact leg ulcers can have on your life. 

A Guide to Venous Leg Ulcers

Why do venous leg ulcers occur?

High blood pressure within the veins is a common cause of leg ulcers. As blood vessels become damaged by high pressure, small injuries can develop into more serious ulcers. People with circulation issues are more prone to developing this type of ulcer. Being obese or overweight also increases a person’s ulcer risk.

What are the symptoms?

Venous leg ulcers most often appear above the ankle on the inside of the leg. They’re often painful and can take as long as a month to heal. Other symptoms include skin discoloration, flaking skin, ankle swelling, and legs that feel heavy. Infection can also occur, which is characterized by a bad-smelling discharge from the wound, which will appear red and swollen. 

Can they be prevented? 

Lowering pressure within the veins is key to preventing ulcers from forming. For people that are overweight or obese, losing weight is often beneficial. People at risk for leg ulcers can wear compression stockings, which help improve circulations in the lower extremities. 

What treatments are available?

To help the ulcer heal at the surface level, it must be properly cleaned and wrapped in a clean dressing until it’s no longer an open wound. If the ulcer is accompanied by a rash or dry skin, a healing ointment may also be used. Elevating your legs and regular activity, such as walking, is useful for reducing swelling in the legs and ankles. To address the internal causes of leg ulcers, consult a doctor to discuss which of the many treatments available is right for you.

If you’re concerned about venous leg ulcers, Advanced Varicose Vein Treatments of Manhattan is here to help. With a certification from the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine, this clinic in New York, NY, specializes in the care of vein issues. Along with their extensive range of vein treatments, they also provide cosmetic procedures, including Botox®. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Ronald Lev today by calling (888) 356-VEIN or visit the website.