What You Need to Know About Leg Ulcers and Treatments
They aren’t pretty and they don’t feel great. Venous leg ulcers are an advanced leg condition that usually develops from circulatory problems in the legs. They manifest as unhealed sores or wounds in the leg. They can also be caused by a variety of other ailments or through injury.
These ulcers can occur when the veins in your legs fail to push blood back up to your heart. When this happens, the blood will back up and build up pressure in your legs causing pain, discomfort, and bulging veins. If not treated, this excess pressure will eventually erupt the skin’s surface and cause an open sore to form. Most will occur above the ankle and can be slow to heal, especially if not treated quickly and properly.
Leg Ulcers in the Elderly
These types of sores and wounds are often found in the elderly population and associated with obesity, lack of mobility, and arterial insufficiency. This age group is particularly vulnerable to these and will experience a significant loss in quality of life when presented with these types of sores.
Symptoms of Ulcers
A leg ulcer will manifest in the surface of the skin and can produce certain symptoms. Some of these include:
- An ulcer located on the lower leg and/or ankle
- Asymmetrical wound
- Inflamed surrounding skin
- Pain produced while standing
- Surrounding varicose veins
- Itching in the affected area
- Discharge coming from the wound
Treatments for Leg Ulcers
Leg ulcers can be treated in a variety of ways. The first step in determining what course of action to take is to assess whether it is caused by venous or arterial disease. Each one will have different treatments. Endovenous Laser Therapy can be a good way to treat faulty leg veins that cause lower leg pressure allowing for ulcer healing.
Some Common Causes of the Ulcers
Venous leg ulcers are the most common type of leg ulcer. These ulcers can be brought on by a variety of factors, but some of the most common causes include:
- Poor blood circulation
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Heart disease
- Smoking
- Infections
- High cholesterol
Keep Active and Get Checked
If you’re suffering from ulcers in your legs and have had a history of varicose veins, give us a call. Treating leg ulcers the right way can significantly improve your quality of life and get you back to normal. Here at El Paso Varicose Veins Laser Clinic, we have today’s most sophisticated and advanced treatments that allow people to regain control of their lives and get back to normal.