The veins are vessels that carry blood from the body back to the lungs and heart, where it reoxygenates. The veins can become damaged due to chronic health issues or injury, leading to blood pooling in the feet, ankles, and legs.
Faulty valves fail to push blood back to the heart, leading to increased pressure in the leg veins and, eventually, tissue damage. A venous ulcer forms when inflammation causes tissue breakdown, creating an open area.
At Carolina Vein Institute, Dr. Luan Tran and Dr. Rousu An are varicose vein specialists and cosmetic injectors. They offer various treatments for conditions such as venous ulcers, varicose veins, and venous insufficiency.
Not everyone has to worry about venous ulcers – they tend to strike when chronic health issues like high blood pressure or diabetes affect your veins. If you’re living with these conditions, you might have a higher chance of developing venous ulcers, so it pays to stay proactive.
You’re at higher risk for venous ulcers if you have multiple chronic conditions and any of these:
Being at risk for a venous ulcer doesn’t automatically mean you’ll get one; however, it’s essential to check your legs regularly and take steps to improve circulation. We suggest compression stockings and moving around every hour to ensure the blood keeps circulating in the legs.
Being at risk for a venous ulcer means you need to be vigilant in looking for signs that one is forming. We want you to look out for any changes in the legs, ankles, and feet, which may include any of the following:
An early sign of a venous ulcer is discoloration around the lower leg. The skin may appear purple, blue, dark brown, or dark red, indicating that the tissues aren’t receiving adequate circulation and that blood is pooling in the veins.
Itching, burning, or tingling are prevalent signs that a venous ulcer is forming. It may occur due to tissue damage or diabetic nerve issues, which contribute to venous ulcer formation.
Edema, or swelling, is another common factor in the formation of venous ulcers. As blood pools, it causes inflammation in the tissues, leading to swelling.
As the blood pools in the legs, the skin often changes texture before an ulcer forms. It may appear shiny, rough, thick, or really dry. Other people experience tight skin that may be flaky or scaly.
People with venous insufficiency often complain of aching in their lower legs and ankles. Some people say their legs feel extremely heavy and hard to move.
If the skin starts to break open, you might notice pain where a venous ulcer is forming. The discomfort can become more intense, particularly as the area turns into a sore. Trust your instincts and don’t wait to get it examined.
As an ulcer advances, you might spot an open patch of skin that just won’t heal. This spot can continue to grow without treatment, increasing the risk of infection. If you notice an open area, act fast and get support.
Some people experience oozing and discharge as an ulcer forms. It may have a clear drainage or purulent discharge if there’s an infection.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s essential to seek treatment immediately. The sooner you get treatment, the less likely it is that the ulcer will worsen or become infected.
Contact us now at one of our North Carolina offices or visit our website to book your venous ulcer consultation and begin treatment right away.
