Leg Ulcers
Schedule A Free ScreeningIf you get a wound or injury that is slow to heal, you might be experiencing a venous disorder.
Venous leg ulcers, also known as stasis ulcers, are long-lasting (chronic) wounds that take longer than 2 weeks to heal. These unhealed wounds are often found on the lower legs and ankles and are more common in older people, especially women. They can be painful or painless and are at risk for infection if bacteria enter the wound.
Up to 1.8 million Americans have venous leg ulcers, which require specialized treatments from vein specialists. At Physicians Vein Clinics, we can treat leg ulcers at their source. We offer a range of minimally invasive treatments for venous causes of leg ulcers, including chronic venous insufficiency, post-thrombotic syndrome and more. You can find out more at (888)-782-8346 or through our website.
What Causes Venous Ulcers
Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Healthy leg veins rely on small internal valves to move blood upward against gravity. If these valves weaken or malfunction, blood goes the wrong direction and settles in the lower leg, a process known as reflux. This condition is known as chronic venous insufficiency. A lack of proper blood flow and nutrition deprives the skin of what it needs and causes inflammation, both of which together can cause tissue breakdown and eventual sores.
Deep Vein Thrombosis
A blood clot that forms in deep veins, like the femoral vein or proximal iliac vein, is called deep vein thrombosis. This clot can obstruct normal circulation in the leg and lead to skin changes. With long-term circulation problems, even a small injury like a scratch can have a hard time healing, which may cause an ulcer on the leg.
Post-Thrombotic Syndrome
Even after a clot has resolved, some patients can continue to experience symptoms because of injury or scarring of the vein. 20-50% of people with deep vein thrombosis go on to develop PTS within several years. If ongoing swelling and pressure are not addressed, it can leave the skin on the legs vulnerable to ulcers.
When to See a Vein Doctor Near Me
It is important to come in for a consultation any time you suspect problems with your veins or circulation. Catching vein disease early prevents new symptoms and keeps existing symptoms from getting worse. Persistent discomfort warrants an appointment. In addition to leg ulcers, some of the signs of venous disease are:
- Restless legs
- Spider veins
- Varicose veins
- Leg aching
- Ankle and leg swelling
- Skin discoloration
- Itching and burning
- Skin rash like eczema
- Muscle cramping
Other symptoms are more serious and require immediate medical care. Seek emergency care if you experience sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, unexplained rapid heart rate, coughing up blood, dizziness or fainting.
Why Physicians Vein Clinics
- Board-certified vein specialists who diagnose and treat vein disease every day
- 14 convenient vein centers across South Dakota, North Dakota, Iowa, Illinois, Pennsylvania and Minnesota
- All vein treatments are minimally invasive and performed in-office with little to no downtime
- Free vein screening available with no referral required, and most insurance plans accepted
Treatments for Leg Ulcers
Most venous leg ulcers can heal within 3 to 4 months if they’re treated by a board-certified vein specialist.
Because leg ulcers are caused by a weakened venous system, which is accompanied by varicose veins and spider veins, treatment of these weakened veins can help venous leg ulcers. If you are experiencing wounds that do not heal, particularly on your legs or ankles, call Physicians Vein Clinics at (888)-782-8346 for a free vein screening.
Wound Care
While it is necessary to treat the underlying cause of leg ulcers to prevent further wounds, treating the current ulcers is also important. This may involve properly dressing the wound, keeping it clean, applying antibiotic ointment and keeping the area moisturized.
Compression Therapy
One of the first steps to helping your venous leg ulcers heal is fitting you with prescription-grade compression stockings. These garments provide at least 20 to 30 mmHg of pressure and offer the greatest support at the ankle with decreased pressure towards the top. Improving blood flow allows your skin to get the proper nutrition and oxygen and limits swelling to support healing.
Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation
When a damaged vein is causing poor circulation, radiofrequency heat treatments can close it from the inside. During endovenous radiofrequency ablation, we guide a catheter into the vein under local anesthesia and deliver the thermal energy. The vein seals in response, and the blood no longer enters the faulty vein.
Varithena
When veins are contributing to leg ulcers and other symptoms, we may use a product called Varithena. This is a foam that is injected into the vein to irritate the lining and collapse the vein. Once treated, the body can get rid of the vein using natural processes.
VenaSeal
Varicose veins can be treated with a medical adhesive called VenaSeal. This treatment quickly closes the refluxing veins to restore proper circulation to the legs and prevent leg ulcers from occurring. VenaSeal is inserted into the vein with a catheter through a small access point.
Sclerotherapy
We also offer ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy for veins that are not easily visible on the surface. Ultrasound gives us immediate information as we treat the vein to ensure that we are delivering the treatment precisely where it is needed. The sclerosing solution used during the treatment causes enough local irritation in the vein to close it and redirect blood away from malfunctioning veins to allow leg ulcers to properly heal and prevent recurrence.
Ambulatory Phlebectomy
Bulging surface veins may be removed through tiny openings in the skin. During ambulatory phlebectomy, we access and extract the vein segments without incisions. Removing diseased veins relieves pressure in the legs and improves circulation to the surrounding tissue for healthier skin.
Find a Vein Clinic Near You
At Physicians Vein Clinics, your care is directed by board-certified doctors who spend each day diagnosing and treating vein disease. We work alongside experienced vascular technicians, registered nurses and dedicated support staff to provide patient-centered care across all 14 of our locations. If you are dealing with a leg ulcer or symptoms of vein disease, call 888-782-8346 to schedule an evaluation and learn about your treatment options.
FAQs About Leg Ulcers
Are leg ulcers painful?
Most venous ulcers are not painful because they affect the outer layers of skin in areas where circulation problems are long-standing. However, discomfort is different for everyone and can increase in certain situations, such as infection.
What are some of the risk factors of leg ulcers?
You have more risks of developing leg ulcers if you are:
- Overweight: Obesity reduces circulation and causes numbness in the feet, which prevents individuals from recognizing injury. Poor circulation also slows the healing process of the wound, and thus causes the development of venous ulcers.
- Advanced in Age: As you get older, vein walls and valves can weaken and make it harder for blood to return efficiently to the heart.
- Injured: Previous leg injuries can damage veins and surrounding tissues and make circulation problems more likely.
- Family Medical History of Vein Problems: A genetic tendency toward vein disease can make you more prone to developing chronic venous insufficiency and other problems.
- Sedentary Lifestyle: Limited movement reduces the natural muscle contractions that help push blood upward through the legs.
- Smoking: Tobacco use affects blood vessels and circulation and can delay healing.
- Abnormal Veins: Around 1 in 50 adults with varicose veins also develop CVI. Abnormal veins can increase your likelihood of developing leg ulcers.
Will a leg ulcer come back after it heals?
A leg ulcer can return after it heals if the underlying vein problem is not treated. Ongoing compression and vein disease management are the best ways to prevent leg ulcers from recurring.
How long does it take for a leg ulcer to heal?
Healing time varies, but many venous ulcers improve within several weeks to a few months with the right treatment and prevention strategy. The timeline will depend on the size of the ulcer and how long it has been present, along with how quickly the underlying vein issue is addressed.