Venous stasis leg ulcers are open sores in the skin that are often painful and usually develop just above the ankle on the inside of the leg. A venous leg ulcer can develop when there’s a problem with the circulation of blood in the leg veins and the pressure inside the veins increase. The high pressure can damage the blood vessels in the skin and make it fragile, resulting in skin that can easily open and form an ulcer after a simple scratch or knock.
Leg ulcers symptoms may include swelling, hardening, darkening or discoloration of the skin around the ulcer. There may be pain, heaviness, itching or a bad-smelling discharge. After an ulcer has formed the doctor will likely clean and dress the area, checking for infection and sometimes prescribing medication to treat infection, pain or other symptoms. Generally, a compression bandage or stocking is advised. However, unless treatment is received to improve the circulation in the legs, the ulcer may not heal.
Regular exercise such as walking can help reduce swelling and promote better circulation, along with keeping the leg elevated as much as possible at other times. In addition, it is advisable to protect the area from injury and to wear comfortable footwear. As always, maintaining a healthy weight and eating a balanced diet, avoiding tobacco products and limiting alcohol can help to speed the healing process.
Leg ulcers treatment should always be carried out by a vein specialist doctor who is specially trained in the treatment of these ulcers and their underlying venous insufficiency because once an ulcer has appeared, another could develop again within months or years. In fact, the most effective method for preventing venous stasis ulcers or their recurrence is by the treatment of the underlying vein condition.
If you would like more information regarding the treatment of venous stasis ulcers and their underlying cause, 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.
