Venous Ulcers or Leg Ulcers

Do you suffer from Venous Leg Ulcers?

Understanding Vein Disease

vein disease illustration - varicose veins

What Is a Venous Ulcer?

A venous ulcer, also called a leg ulcer, is a chronic, slow-to-heal wound on the leg or foot. They often return after healing. Leg ulcers typically appear near the ankle or on the lower calf.

What Causes Venous Leg Ulcers?

Poor circulation and weakened veins cause venous leg ulcers. When the veins fail to pump blood back to the heart properly, the blood accumulates in the lower extremities, causing the tissue around the vein to break down.

What Are the Symptoms of Venous Ulcers?

Early symptoms often include swelling near the ankle and venous stasis dermatitis.

Leg ulcers range in color from dark red to purple. The skin around the wound may be itchy, dry and cracked. There may be visible varicose veins in the area of the ulcer. Patients with a history of deep vein thrombosis or previously healed ulcers are more likely to develop venous ulcers. Leg ulcers are painful, although the pain may be relieved when the leg is raised.

If the ulcer becomes infected, which is common, you may experience a discharge with an unpleasant odor accompanied by increased, redness, pain and tenderness.

How Are Venous Ulcers Treated?

The primary concern is lowering venous pressure back to normal through one of the Vein Treatments available at Alaska Vein Care. We offer highly effective, minimally invasive procedures to treat your underlying vein disease. Our compassionate Interventional Radiologists will discuss your options at your appointment.

Other methods of treatment may also be prescribed, including cleaning and dressing the wound and the use of compression bandages. Our providers may prescribe medications to aid in the healing process, including antibiotics if the leg ulcer is infected.

When it comes to diagnosing and treating vein conditions, you deserve the best care available.

Schedule a complimentary screening with a vein doctor. It's a quick, 10 minute meeting to help you assess your needs and options.

Free Screening