Venous Leg Ulcers

Venous Leg Ulcers

Venous leg ulcers occur when leg veins do not effectively return blood to the heart. This condition is known as venous insufficiency. When venous insufficiency occurs, blood can pool in the lower legs, causing increased pressure in the veins that can lead to sores or open wounds. Venous leg ulcers are a type of chronic wound.

What Causes Venous Leg Ulcers?

Damaged or weakened veins can lead to poor circulation, which causes venous leg ulcers to occur. In healthy veins, small valves allow blood to travel up towards the heart. When these valves become weak or damaged, blood can pool in the legs and cause excess pressure on the surrounding tissue and skin.

Patients who experience the following may be at higher risk for developing venous leg ulcers:

• Chronic venous insufficiency
• Varicose veins
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Obesity
• Limited mobility
• Leg trauma
• Older age
• Previous leg ulcers

As circulation becomes poor, the skin is less able to stay healthy or heal quickly, allowing ulcers to form.

What Are the Symptoms of a Venous Leg Ulcer?

Venous leg ulcers typically develop on the lower leg and around the ankle. These types of wounds can take time to form, and other symptoms of venous disease may be present.

Symptoms of venous leg ulcers can include:

• An open sore on the lower leg or ankle
• Swelling in the legs or ankles
• Aching, heaviness, or pain in the legs
• Discoloration or darkening of the skin near the wound
• Thickening or hardening of the skin around the wound
• Drainage from the ulcer
• Itching or irritation around the wound

Often patients will experience these symptoms for months or years before an ulcer forms.

Why Should Venous Leg Ulcers Be Treated Right Away?

Typically, venous leg ulcers will not heal unless the underlying issue with circulation is addressed. If left untreated, venous leg ulcers can grow larger, become infected, and impact your mobility.

Treating venous leg ulcers early can help reduce swelling, improve circulation, and promote healing. Additionally, early treatment can help you avoid future complications and prevent new ulcers from forming.

How Are Venous Leg Ulcers Treated?

Treatment will vary depending on the condition of the wound as well as circulation in the affected leg. Our wound care specialists at SMC Physicians will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan to heal your wound and prevent future ulcers from forming.

Treatment may include:

• Advanced wound dressings
• Debridement
• Compression therapy
• Infection control
• Edema reduction
• Wound healing technology
• Wound monitoring and maintenance

Typically, patients will need to follow up with our office regularly to ensure treatments are working.

Can Venous Leg Ulcers Be Prevented?

Treating venous insufficiency can help patients avoid developing venous leg ulcers. Staying at a healthy weight, exercising, elevating your legs when possible, and wearing compression socks/tights can keep your circulation healthy.

Patients who have previously suffered from a venous leg ulcer may need further evaluation to prevent future ulcers.

When Do You Need Professional Wound Care?

If you have a wound on your leg that is not healing in a timely manner, make sure to see a doctor. Many patients make the mistake of waiting to treat a wound, but when you wait, you put yourself at risk for infection.

A wound infection can become serious if left untreated and can often become harder to manage the longer treatment is delayed. Our wound care specialists can help you determine the cause of your wound and can begin the appropriate treatment as soon as possible.

SMC Physicians Can Help You Heal from Venous Leg Ulcers

If you think you may have venous leg ulcers or are showing symptoms of chronic venous disease, please contact SMC Physicians in Northfield today. Our wound care specialists will work with you to evaluate your wound and determine which advanced wound care treatments may be most appropriate for your condition. We will develop a personalized treatment plan to ensure you experience the best outcome possible.

Call SMC Physicians at (609) 377-5150 or request and appointment online today to learn more about our wound care services and begin a personalized treatment plan for your venous leg ulcer.

1601 Tilton Rd, Suite 3, Northfield, NJ 08225

Hours:
Monday: 8:30am-5pm
Tuesday: 8:30am-5pm
Wednesday: 8:30am-5pm
Thursday: 8:30am-5pm
Friday: 8:30am-5pm