Venous ulcers are wounds that are thought to occur due to improper functioning of venous valves, usually of the legs (hence leg ulcers). They are the major occurrence of chronic wounds, occurring in 70% to 90% of leg ulcer cases.
Venous ulcers are due to abnormal vein function. People may inherit a tendency for abnormal veins. Common causes of damaged veins include blood clots, injury, aging, and obesity.
Symptoms include swelling, achiness, and tiredness in the legs. Usually a red, irritated skin rash develops into an open wound.
“The association between ulceration at the ankle and venous disorders of the lower limbs has been known for more than 2000 years. Venous circulation of the lower extremities progresses from the superficial to perforating to deep veins, with valves in each system to ensure unidirectional blood flow. As the calf muscles contract, the pumping action causes the blood to flow from the deep veins into the inferior vena cava. Disease of these pathways results in venous insufficiency. Venous insufficiency is the most common cause of lower-leg ulcers, accounting for nearly 80% of all cases. Of the approximately 7 million people in the United States with venous insufficiency, approximately 1 million develop venous leg ulcers. Approximately 1% of the population will suffer from leg ulceration at some point in their lives.”SOURCE: https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ulcers/2013/413604/
At Vein Specialists of the Carolinas we look for the underlying cause of the ulcer. The underlying cause must be corrected permanently for the ulcer to heal and stay healed. If the underlying cause is not corrected, even if the wound heals, it is highly likely the ulcer will recur over and over again year after year.
The initial therapy is to counter act the venous pressure by applying external pressure to the leg with a tight wrap or a compression garment.
Contact Vein Specialists of the Carolinas to schedule an appointment.
“All We Do Is Veins, All Day Every Day.”