Leg Ulcers
An open sore on the skin of the leg characterized by an area of skin that has broken down and underlying tissue can be seen. Leg ulcers can have many causes, such as diabetic ulcers, ulcers due to diseased arteries or ulcers due to damaged veins. A venous stasis ulcer is due to high pressure vein blood whose toxins "backwash" into the skin due to backwards flow (reflux) in the damaged veins.
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Leg Ulcers initially present an area of itchy, dry flaking skin, with hardening of the skin and inflammation (redness) quickly following. In time, the surrounding skin usually will present a darkening of the surrounding skin due to iron (hemosiderin) deposits from dead or dying red blood cells.
Typically, the ulcers that are caused by bad veins occur on the inside of the ankle, near the medial malleolus (ankle bone). Occasionally, they can occur on the outer aspect of the lower leg or on the back of the calf. Venous leg ulcers are usually painless, but are prone to infection. Without treatment, an ulcer usually becomes larger and causes worsening problems of swelling, pain, infection, and impaired circulation of the foot. The worst outcome would be an ulcer that resulted in amputation of the lower leg.
Treatment: Treatment will vary depending upon the condition of the ulcer. Typically, treatment involves aggressive wound care with bandages, wraps, medical grade medicated stockings,elevation, antibiotics, and/or whirlpool. Surgical debridement (manually cleaning out the debris) is sometimes necessary.
To achieve long term results, the cause of the venous stasis ulcer must be addressed. Using ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy (injections) of the bad veins causing the problem will cure the ulcer if the treatment regimen is complicated.
In my opinion, treatment of venous stasis ulcers is the most rewarding aspect of vein care. It can literally change a person's life!
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