Venous Leg Ulcers
The importance of early identification and professional treatment for venous leg ulcers cannot be overstated. These ulcers are notoriously challenging to heal, with approximately half of all cases remaining open for nine months or longer. The expert team at Healing Touch WoundCare Center provides comprehensive wound care, including advanced therapies to support healing.
What Are Venous Leg Ulcers?
Venous leg ulcers, also known as venous stasis ulcers, are wounds that occur on the lower leg. They develop due to chronic venous insufficiency, a condition where high pressure builds up in a vein because the one-way valves that usually keep blood flowing upward weaken and malfunction.
When these valves fail, blood flows backward, or refluxes, and accumulates in the vein. This leads to the formation of varicose veins and increased pressure in the lower leg. Over time, the elevated pressure causes fluids to seep out of the vein and into the surrounding tissue, resulting in skin damage and the formation of an ulcer.
How To Recognize Venous Leg Ulcers?
Venous leg ulcers typically start as shallow wounds but can gradually expand to become quite large as the surrounding tissue deteriorates. The wound often appears red and may leak or ooze blood, though it is usually painless unless an infection occurs. These ulcers can develop anywhere below the knee but are most commonly found around the ankle.
Do Venous Leg Ulcers Require Treatment?
Venous leg ulcers can be hazardous, as they do not heal on their own and often do not respond to over-the-counter treatments. Without proper medical intervention, the ulcer can continue to grow and is at high risk of infection, which can spread and lead to severe skin or bone infections.
What Are the Symptoms of Venous Leg Ulcers?
Patients with venous leg ulcers often experience additional symptoms, including:
Leg pain
Inflammation
Reddish-brown skin discoloration
Leg swelling
Thickened, leathery skin
Stasis dermatitis, which resembles eczema
One of the earliest signs of chronic venous insufficiency is leg pain that worsens with prolonged standing and improves when the leg is elevated.
How Are Venous Leg Ulcers Diagnosed?
Your treatment for venous leg ulcers can be tailored to your specific needs. At the first sign of an ulcer, it's crucial to contact Healing Touch WoundCare center for specialized care, which may include:
Compression therapy
Wound cleaning
Wound debridement
Infection control
Specialized dressings
Bioengineered skin grafts
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
If an infection is not present, compression therapy plays a vital role. Pressure stockings help prevent blood reflux, reduce fluid leakage, manage swelling, and slow disease progression.
Why Choose Healing Touch WoundCare?
The Healing Touch WoundCare team is one of the few practices to offer specialized care for atypical wounds. Our staff can evaluate your wound to determine if it is atypical and provide comprehensive care solutions. We offer a wide range of therapies that can be used independently or in combination.
Our team of highly-trained providers will also teach you how to properly care for your wound at home. This includes demonstrating how to thoroughly clean the wound, protect healthy skin, and change dressings. If you think you may have an atypical wound, call Healing Touch WoundCare or book an appointment online today.
