A Look at Venous Leg Ulcers 

What is a Venous Leg Ulcer?

A venous leg ulcer is an open wound that develops on the lower legs or ankles due to chronic venous insufficiency. This condition occurs when faulty vein valves impair blood flow, leading to increased pressure in the veins and subsequent tissue damage.

Leg Ulcer Causes

There are several types of leg ulcers, each with distinct characteristics and underlying causes.

Some common types of leg ulcers include:

Leg Ulcer Causes

Leg ulcers can have various underlying causes, which may include:

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  Chronic venous insufficiency: One of the most common causes of leg ulcers. It occurs when the valves in the leg veins malfunction, leading to poor circulation and blood pooling in the lower extremities. Over time, this can result in tissue damage.
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  Lipodermatosclerosis is a chronic condition characterized by inflammation and fibrosis of the skin and underlying tissues of the lower legs, often associated with venous insufficiency.
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  Venous stasis dermatitis, also known as stasis dermatitis or gravitational eczema, is a skin condition that occurs due to chronic venous insufficiency. It is characterized by inflammation, redness, itching, and skin scaling, usually affecting the lower legs and ankles.
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  Atrophied blanche is a skin condition characterized by ivory or white-colored patches, typically occurring in individuals with chronic venous insufficiency and often associated with underlying damage to the blood vessels and tissues.
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  Arterial disease: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) causes narrowing or blockage of the leg arteries, leading to reduced blood flow to the tissues. Inadequate blood supply deprives the tissues of oxygen and nutrients, increasing the risk of ulcer formation.
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  Diabetes: Individuals with diabetes are at higher risk of developing leg ulcers due to various factors, including neuropathy (nerve damage), peripheral vascular disease, and impaired wound healing.
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  Trauma or injury:  Direct trauma or injury to the skin, such as cuts, burns, or surgical wounds.
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  Infection: Bacterial, fungal, or viral skin infections can contribute to the development of leg ulcers, mainly if left untreated or if the individual has a weakened immune system.
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  Certain autoimmune conditions, such as vasculitis or pyoderma gangrenosum.
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  Lifestyle factors such as obesity, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle.
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  Chronic medical conditions, including hypertension, heart disease, kidney disease, and certain types of cancer.

Venous Ulcer Symptoms

Leg ulcer symptoms may include:

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  Varying degrees of pain, ranging from mild discomfort to severe throbbing or aching sensations in the affected area.
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  Swelling of the legs, ankles, and feet
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  Discolored skin around the ulcer often takes on a reddish-brown or purplish hue due to poor circulation and blood pooling in the affected area.
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  Itching or burning sensations in or around the ulcer site.
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  Drainage or oozing can range from clear fluid to yellow or greenish pus, depending on the presence of infection or other complications.
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  Skin texture changes, such as becoming dry, scaly, or hardened (lipodermatosclerosis) or taking on a shiny, tight appearance.
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  Slow healing.
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  An unpleasant odor due to bacterial colonization or infection.

It is important to know that elevating the affected leg above heart level may worsen pain or discomfort due to increased venous pressure and blood pooling in the veins.

If left untreated, venous ulcers can lead to complications such as cellulitis (skin infection), osteomyelitis (bone infection), or even sepsis (systemic infection), which can cause fever, chills, and general malaise.

It is essential to seek medical attention from a leg ulcer doctor if you experience any of these symptoms, as prompt treatment is crucial for preventing complications and promoting the healing of venous ulcers.

Venous Ulcer Treatment Options

Our experienced team specializes in providing a range of effective treatment options for leg ulcers.

Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effectively treating venous ulcers and is the first step in addressing any vein disease condition.

Under the expert care of Dr. Campbell, who has been treating venous ulcers and related venous issues since 2003, you can trust that your condition will be evaluated appropriately.

Medical consultation and duplex venous ultrasound are the initial steps to diagnosing any venous problem, allowing us to determine the cause of the ulcer and recommend the best vein treatment option for you.

Once a proper diagnosis is made, addressing the underlying cause of venous ulcers is essential. Treatment typically involves sclerotherapy and endovenous thermal ablation to target the vein disease as soon as possible.

A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine recommends immediate treatment of venous ulcers for quicker healing time. These treatments have been shown to reduce healing time by as much as 50% and decrease the likelihood of recurrence.

In addition to medical interventions, lifestyle modifications can also improve venous health. Regular exercise, leg elevation, wearing compression socks, and avoiding prolonged sitting or standing are all beneficial practices for managing and preventing leg ulcers.