Leg ulcers affect about one in every thousand people at some point their lives, and double that many by the time they are in their eighties, as the risk of venous stasis ulcers rises with age. They are linked to a family history of varicose veins, an inactive lifestyle, or to jobs that require many hours of standing.
Chronic venous insufficiency is a condition in which blood doesn’t flow up normally through the veins in the legs toward the heart. Venous leg ulcers develop in areas where blood pools, and swelling interferes with the movement of oxygen and nutrients through the tissues. They generally appear just above the ankle on the inside of the leg, and can be very painful.
The most common early leg ulcers symptom is chronically swollen ankles. There may also be dull aching, cramping, or feeling of heaviness in the legs and feet that becomes worse after prolonged standing. Typically, a red, irritated skin rash then develops into an open wound. Venous ulcers are usually recurrent, and open ulcers can persist from weeks to years. When left untreated, they can quickly become infected or even gangrenous, impacting the quality of life of those who suffer from them and increasing the risks for disease or death.
Fortunately, doctors are now able to utilize new laser technology for leg ulcers treatment, to relieve the pain and begin healing. The laser treatment is used on certain veins in the leg to reduce the pressure around the venous ulcers. This laser treatment works by sending strong bursts of light onto the vein, which makes the vein slowly fade and disappear, with no need for incisions.
The vein specialists at the Goldman Vein Institute strongly encourage patients to seek early treatment for leg ulcers and other complications of venous insufficiency. With modern therapies, most people can resume their daily activities immediately after treatment. Additionally, most major health insurance carriers provide coverage for the treatment of vein disease and venous insufficiency when medically necessary.
If you would like more information regarding leg ulcers leg ulcer symptoms or leg ulcer treatments, please contact the Goldman Vein Institute today at one of our two convenient locations:
Jupiter 561-625-9853 or Wellington 561-790-4550 or visit us at www.goldmanveininstitute.com.
At the Goldman Vein Institute, our mission is to provide our patients with comprehensive care for varicose veins, spider veins, and other conditions caused by venous insufficiency. Our highly-qualified and experienced, board-certified vein specialists, Dr. Goldman and Dr. Varghese-Goldman, combine their extensive knowledge and experience, with the latest innovations in vein treatments.
With our offices in Jupiter and Wellington Florida, the Goldman Vein Institute serves patients from Stuart, Hobe Sound, Tequesta, Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, North Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, Loxahatchee, Royal Palm Beach, Wellington, Hialeah, Sunny Isles, Bay Harbor, Bal Harbour, Miami Beach, Aventura, Surfside, Hallandale, and Hollywood, and we welcome patients across South Florida to visit our state-of-the-art vein centers, where we provide the latest in vein treatment technology.
