{"id":16032,"date":"2018-03-26T09:42:45","date_gmt":"2018-03-26T13:42:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novusspinecenter.com\/?page_id=16032"},"modified":"2021-10-22T17:29:52","modified_gmt":"2021-10-22T21:29:52","slug":"venous-ulcers","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/novusspinecenter.com\/pain-conditions\/venous-ulcers","title":{"rendered":"Venous Ulcers"},"content":{"rendered":"
Venous ulcers<\/strong> are open skin sores that can affect any area of the body but most often occur on the legs. It is estimated that about 1% of Americans have venous ulcers. They\u2019re more common in older people, particularly women, and more likely to occur with people who have varicose veins. Other types of people who have an increased chance of getting a venous ulcer include:<\/p>\n Venous ulcers are sometimes called venous insufficiency<\/a> ulcers, stasis leg ulcers, and venous leg ulcers.<\/p>\n A venous skin ulcer is a sore on the leg that heals slowly, usually because of blood flow (circulation) problems in the leg veins. When leg veins do not push blood back up to the heart as they should, the blood backs up (pools), creating extra pressure in the veins. If the condition is not treated, the increased pressure and excess fluid in the affected area can cause an open sore to form.<\/p>\n Because of the continuous pressure, venous ulcers can linger anywhere from a few weeks to years and lead to more serious problems if untreated. Most venous ulcers occur on the lower leg, above the ankle.<\/p>\n Any condition that causes blood to pool in the veins of the leg is a potential cause of venous ulcers, including venous insufficiency<\/strong><\/a>, varicose veins<\/strong><\/a>, deep vein thrombosis<\/strong>, and heart failure<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The increased blood pressure created by pooling blood in the leg prevents nutrients and oxygen from getting to tissues, causing cells to die, damaging the tissue, and an ulcer (wound) can form that may or may not be painful.<\/p>\n Other medical conditions that can cause venous ulcers include:<\/p>\n Venous ulcers are sores in the skin (usually the inside of the leg just above the ankle) that most often result from weak blood circulation. Therefore, stasis dermatitis<\/strong><\/a> and venous insufficiency<\/strong><\/a> are commonly associated with venous ulcers.<\/p>\n A patient suffering from a venous ulcer will usually experience a swollen leg, often accompanied by a burning feeling around the sore. Signs and symptoms of venous ulcers include:<\/p>\n A typical complication associated with venous ulcers is an infection<\/strong> of the affected tissue. Typically, the ulcer itself is relatively painless<\/strong>. Any pain that occurs is a result of an infection or from swelling (edema<\/a>). In some cases, the entire leg will become swollen, making the skin more firm and reddish-brown in color.<\/p>\n For a leg wound that isn\u2019t healing or may be infected, the doctor will do a visual examination of the sore and the surrounding skin to determine if it is a venous ulcer. The doctor will also evaluate the patient\u2019s medical history to determine if there is a history of ongoing (chronic) conditions, such as diabetes or hardening of the arteries.<\/p>\n In some cases, the doctor may also perform tests such as X-rays or a CT scan to check the veins and the area around the ulcer in more detail.<\/p>\n In some cases, an MRI and noninvasive vascular studies may be ordered to help develop a treatment plan. Other tests include:<\/p>\n Sometimes, an ulcer can lead to serious skin and bone infections. In rare cases, a venous ulcer can lead to skin cancer.<\/p>\n Venous ulcers need proper care and treatment to prevent infection and to heal. The Lakeland pain management doctors at the Vein Clinic work with each patient to determine the cause of the ulcer and develop an individualized treatment plan. The treatment goals are to relieve pain, speed recovery, and heal the wound. Treatment may include focusing on the circulatory or vein problems causing the ulcers.<\/p>\n The most common treatment to reduce the swelling is a compression bandage or stocking<\/a>, which can help improve blood circulation in the legs, boosting the body\u2019s ability to heal the sore. Some compression bandages may require the patient to wear them continuously, with a doctor replacing them every few days. Others are worn only during the day, with the patient putting them on and removing them.<\/p>\n In treating venous ulcers, it is essential to keep the site infection-free. Special medication may be applied under the bandages or stockings to help during the healing process.<\/p>\n If a venous ulcer becomes infected by bacteria, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics to kill the infection. A moist dressing may be used to help the ulcer heal more quickly.<\/p>\n Other treatment options for home care include:<\/p>\n If the ulcers do not heal, surgery may be necessary to improve blood circulation. If surgery is necessary, the doctor may recommend subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery<\/strong>. This minimally-invasive procedure uses an endoscope (a small, flexible tube with a light) to clip and tie off the perforator veins in the calf. Doing so allows blood to drain into healthy veins and improves ulcer healing.<\/p>\n Most venous ulcers heal after 3 or 4 months of treatment. However, some can take longer or require a skin graft to close up the opening in the skin. Some may never clear up completely.<\/p>\n The first step in preventing venous ulcers is preventing vein problems. Healthy habits are essential to help maintain proper blood flow in the legs. There are various ways to help prevent venous ulcers through lifestyle changes, diet, and medication. The Lakeland vein clinic pain management doctors recommend:<\/p>\n Wearing compression stockings can also help. They can:<\/p>\n Novus Spine & Pain Center is in Lakeland, Florida, and specializes in treating venous ulcers. By using a comprehensive approach and cutting-edge therapies, we work together with patients to restore function and regain an active lifestyle, while minimizing the need for opiates.<\/p>\n For your convenience, you may schedule an appointment<\/a> online, request a call back<\/a>, or call our office at 863-583-4445<\/a>.<\/p>\n More information about Venous Ulcers is available from:<\/p>\n American Venous Forum<\/a> Society for Vascular Surgery<\/a> What Is a Venous Skin Ulcer<\/a> (WebMD) Updated: April 2, 2021<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
In This Article:<\/h6>\n
\n
What Are Venous Ulcers?<\/h2>\n
What Causes Venous Ulcers?<\/h2>\n
\n
What are the Symptoms of Venous Ulcers?<\/h2>\n
\n
How Are Venous Ulcers Diagnosed?<\/h2>\n
\n
How Are Venous Ulcers Treated?<\/h2>\n
\n
Is It Possible to Prevent Venous Ulcers?<\/h2>\n
\n
\n
Novus Spine & Pain Center<\/h2>\n
Venous Ulcers Resources<\/h2>\n
\n2800 West Higgins Road, Suite 440
\nHoffman Estates, IL 60169
\nTel: 727.350.1580
\nEmail:\u00a0info@veinforum.org<\/a><\/p>\n
\n633 N. Saint Clair St., 22nd Floor
\nChicago, IL 60611
\nTelephone: 312-334-2300 \/ 800-258-7188
\nEmail:\u00a0vascular@vascularsociety.org<\/a><\/p>\n
\nVenous Ulcers<\/a> (Johns Hopkins)
\nSubfascial Endoscopic Perforator Surgery<\/a> (Stanford Health Care)
\nVenous Ulcers \u2013 Self-Care<\/a> (MedlinePlus)
\nVenous Leg Ulcers<\/a> (American Family Physician)
\nVenous Insufficiency Ulcers<\/a> (Wound Source)
\nLeg and Foot Ulcers<\/a> (Cleveland Clinic)
\nAnkle-brachial index<\/a> (Mayo Clinic)
\nDoppler ultrasound: What is it used for?<\/a> (Mayo Clinic)
\nLymphedema<\/a> (MedicineNet)<\/p>\n<\/div>