Venous Ulcers

Venous ulcers are often located on the ankles or calves, they can be quite painful and often be red but have been seen covered with yellow, fibrous tissue and an irregular border. They are open skin sores and are caused by issues with blood circulation within the leg veins.

Venous ulcers generally occur due to the valves inside the leg veins becoming damaged. These vein valves control the blood pressure within the veins. It then drops the blood pressure each time you walk. If the blood pressure inside the leg’s veins does not fall when they walk, the condition is then diagnosed as sustained venous hypertension. This increase in your blood pressure is what causes venous ulcers to form within the ankles or calves.

Depending on the severity of the venous ulcer on the patient’s legs will influence the type of treatment that would be recommended. Compression therapy has been proven quite successful for venous ulcers with leg elevation which helps to minimize the patient’s venous insufficiency. It is recommended to be worn for 30 minutes, three to four times a day.

Another method of treatment for mild to moderate venous stasis ulcers would be medication to help kill off the infection, as well as provide non-invasive treatments to help the skin.

If you have a severe case of venous stasis ulcers, surgery may be recommended as a last resort to help treat the infection.

Venous ulcers often become itchy or burn, and the leg surrounding the venous ulcer can become swollen. Other first signs of venous ulcers may include:

– Rashes
– Dry skin
– Discoloration that may look brown
– Foul-smelling fluid coming out from the sore

If the venous ulcer becomes infected, you may notice:

– Redness or swelling around the venous ulcer
– Pain that is starting to get worse
– Fever
– Pus coming out of the ulcer

If the venous ulcer is not healing properly or is infected, it is best to see a doctor immediately for treatment. However, if your venous ulcer is showcasing first signs with no indication of infection, treatment at Elite Veins is available.

If you are noticing the first signs of a venous ulcer, or if you want to prevent getting venous ulcers, you can wear compression socks or stockings. This pressure should help to improve circulation in your leg, as well as boost your body’s ability to heal the venous ulcer.

Another treatment option would be to take antibiotics to help kill the venous ulcer infection. You may also be given a moist dressing to put over the top of the ulcer to help heal it quickly.

Finally, if the venous ulcer is severe enough, surgery may be recommended to help improve the circulation within your legs. Surgery can help to improve the blood circulation within your legs and heal any ulcers while preventing similar issues later on.

Many venous ulcers can heal after treatment within 3 to 4 months, some patients may notice that their venous ulcers may never clear up.

To prevent venous ulcers, you can make life changes within your diet, or medication, you can also:

– Stop smoking
– Get down to a healthy weight
– Control chronic conditions including high blood pressure and diabetes
– Take aspirin to help prevent blood clots
– Reduce salt intake from your diet
– Exercise or stay active each day
– Wear compression socks or stockings
– Elevate the legs

If you are looking for a treatment to help with your venous ulcers, contact Elite Veins today for a consultation appointment to review the severity of your venous ulcer and book a treatment appointment. We serve patients from the New York City NY, Queens NY, Brooklyn NY, Manhattan NY, Bronx NY, Hoboken NJ, West New York NJ and surrounding areas.