Ulcers

What are ulcers?

Venous ulcers are open sores that develop most often on the legs as a result of circulation disorders. They are raw wounds typically resistant to healing and are usually large, possibly extending to the bone. You may experience additional symptoms such as:

• Tired, aching legs
• Skin discoloration
• Leg swelling
• Tenderness
• Itchiness

Ulcers are most likely to appear around the inner ankle but could develop anywhere on your lower leg or foot. They're prone to infection, and in some cases, can become so severe that amputation is necessary.

What causes ulcers?

Diseases like chronic venous insufficiency, which tend to affect the legs and feet, reduce blood flow in your legs and trigger the development of varicose veins. Without treatment, the damaged veins start to leak fluid into the surrounding tissues, causing leg swelling.

You could have additional problems like a weakened immune system with a low white blood cell count. These issues are the result of a lack of oxygen and nutrients due to the inadequate blood supply.

As the veins and tissues deteriorate, tiny breaks in the skin appear and develop into ulcers. If you have a condition like diabetic peripheral neuropathy, you might cut the skin without realizing it, which encourages diabetic foot ulcers to form.

You're more likely to develop ulcers if you're a smoker, have diabetes, are overweight or obese, or don't get enough exercise.

How are leg ulcers treated?

The team at Vascular Surgery Associates, LLC, has considerable experience in treating venous ulcers. They begin by applying compression to reduce pressure in the affected leg and, if necessary, remove any dead tissue.

Treatment of the underlying cause of your ulcers is vital. Care often involves using radiofrequency ablation techniques to close off the damaged veins, forcing blood to travel along other, healthier veins. The treated blood vessels break down and disappear over time.

Vascular Surgery Associates, LLC, uses advanced technology, including ClosureFast™ radiofrequency ablation and the VenaSeal™ Closure System. Improving circulation using these methods is the best way to increase the flow of nutrient-rich, oxygenated blood to the ulcers to help them heal.

How can I prevent ulcers?

Making lifestyle changes and treating chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins at an early stage are the best ways to prevent ulcers from developing. 

If you're affected by these circulatory disorders or have an emerging ulcer, Vascular Surgery Associates, LLC, can help. Call their office or book an appointment online today.