Chronic venous insufficiency is a condition in which blood doesn’t flow up normally through the veins in the legs toward the heart. Sometimes, people with untreated venous insufficiency develop open sores, which are called venous stasis ulcers.
These painful 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.
The most common early leg ulcers symptoms are chronically swollen ankles, darkened or discolored skin around the ankle, or skin that feels leathery or waxy to the touch. Typically, a red, irritated skin rash then develops into an open wound. Other leg ulcers symptoms may include a dull ache, tenderness or pain in the legs, swelling, eczema of the surrounding skin, varicose veins, and hyperpigmentation.
Painful leg ulcers are often recurrent, can last from weeks to years because they are often resistant to healing, and are prone to recurrence. When left untreated, they can quickly become infected or even gangrenous and can also have a consequential impact on the quality of life of those who suffer from them.
However, doctors are now able to utilize new laser technology for leg ulcers treatment, to relieve the pain and begin healing. The goals of leg ulcers treatment are to reduce edema, improve healing, and prevent recurrence.
Endovenous laser ablation techniques have been shown to effectively treat leg ulcers and greatly reduce the risk of recurrence. Because smaller, newer ulcers are easier to treat than larger or infected leg ulcers, it’s crucial to seek treatment from an experienced vein specialist at the first sign of a venous skin ulcer.
The risk of developing a painful leg ulcer can be reduced in numerous ways, such as wearing compression stockings, losing weight, getting regular exercise, avoiding prolonged standing or sitting, elevating legs while sitting, seeking treating for skin conditions like eczema and taking care of skin by washing and moisturizing.
If you would like more information regarding painful leg ulcers, 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.
