Venous Ulcers

What Causes Venous Ulcers? Can They be Treated?

Venous ulcers, also known as venous stasis ulcers, are caused by improper functioning of the venous valves in the legs, leading to a chronic condition called venous insufficiency. This condition causes blood to pool in the leg veins, resulting in increased pressure that can lead to damage to the skin or even the formation of an ulcer.

The most common factors contributing to venous ulcers include:

  • Deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in the deep veins of the legs).

  • Varicose veins, which are swollen, twisted veins visible under the skin.

  • Phlebitis, which is an inflammation of the veins.

  • Obesity, which can put extra pressure on the veins.

  • Smoking, which can affect blood circulation.

  • Lack of physical activity.

  • A history of leg injuries or surgery.

  • Aging, as the risk increases with age.

  • Long periods of standing or sitting, can cause blood to pool in the leg veins.

  • Chronic venous insufficiency, a condition that affects the flow of blood from the legs back to the heart. 

Venous ulcers are more common in women and in individuals over the age of 50.

The main goals of treatment are to reduce edema, improve ulcer healing, prevent recurrence, and improve the patient's quality of life. 

Here are some common treatment methods:

Compression Therapy

This is the cornerstone of treatment, which involves the use of compression stockings or bandages to improve blood flow in the legs.

Wound Care

This includes cleaning the ulcer and removing dead tissue, a process known as debridement. Special dressings may be used to protect the ulcer and help it heal.

Medication

Topical or oral antibiotics may be prescribed if the ulcer is infected. Pain relievers may also be recommended to manage pain.

 

Interventional

If the ulcers do not respond to conservative treatments, procedures such as endovenous radiofrequency ablation treatment can be considered to correct the underlying vein disorder.  These treatments can be extremely effective for healing venous ulcers.

Lifestyle Changes

These include regular exercise to improve blood flow, elevating the legs when sitting, maintaining a healthy weight, and quitting smoking.

 

It's important to note that while these treatments can help heal the ulcers and relieve symptoms, they do not cure the underlying venous insufficiency. Therefore, ongoing care is often necessary to prevent recurrence of the ulcers.