Venous Leg Ulcers

Understanding Venous Ulcers

We have vein therapies that can help treat your venous reflux. Our vascular surgeons can help you to understand your particular treatment options. Nearly 70% of all leg ulcers are venous ulcers. A venous skin ulcer is a wound that develops on the skin’s surface when the leg veins do not return blood back toward the heart as they normally would (venous insufficiency). Factors leading to skin ulcers include:

• Old ulcers that may have damaged part of the venous system
• A fracture or other injuries
• A DVT (blood clot)
  Surgery
• A profession that involves long periods of sitting or standing
• Phlebitis
• Pregnancy
• Obesity

Leg ulcer symptoms:

• Leg Swelling
• Dry, itchy skin that is sometimes brownish in color
• Eczema (varicose eczema)
• The ulcer has a weeping, raw appearance and is generally painless unless infected
• The ulcer is typically located on the inside of the leg, just above the ankle

Venous skin ulcers are slow to heal. They often recur if steps are not taken to prevent them.

Venous Stasis Ulcer Treatment

Better blood circulation helps prevent and treat venous skin ulcers. To improve your blood circulation, you can:

• Lift your legs above the level of your heart as often as possible
• Wear compression socks or bandages
• Add walking as part of your daily routine

Learn more about treatment options in your visit to Boulder Vein Center. Please give us a call at 303-449-8346 to schedule an appointment today.