Venous Ulcers
Venous Ulcer Treatments in Phoenix
Venous ulcers are sores caused by a restriction to blood flow or issues with the veins on your legs, typically near the ankle. These sores can take weeks or months to heal and put you at risk of complications like infection. At Arizona Vein & Laser Institute, we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of venous and vascular diseases and disorders. We can make a venous ulcer diagnosis quickly and begin aggressive venous ulcer treatment. Call us today to schedule a consultation if you are exhibiting symptoms of a venous ulcer.
What Are Venous Ulcers?
A venous ulcer is an open sore that develops when the veins in the legs don’t efficiently push blood back up to the heart, causing a backup of blood in the veins, which builds up pressure. Over time, if this pressure is not treated, the excess pressure and fluid can cause the formation of an open sore. Most venous ulcers form on the leg above the ankle.
Venous Ulcer Symptoms
As blood pools in the veins of the lower leg, fluid, and blood cells leak out through the skin, causing itchy, thin skin in the area. Eventually, it will lead to a skin disorder called stasis dermatitis, which is the earliest warning sign of venous insufficiency. Other early warning signs include:
- Leg swelling, cramping, and heaviness.
- Dark red, purple, or brown skin that is hardened.
- Itching or tingling at the site.
Without intervention and treatment, you are at risk of a venous ulcer. Venous ulcer symptoms include:
- A shallow sore with a red base.
- Yellow tissue surrounding a sore.
- Unevenly shaped borders around the sore.
- Shiny, tight, warm, hot, discolored skin around the sore.
- Leg pain.
- Infection, pus, or fluid oozing from the sore.
Venous Ulcer Causes
Venous ulcers are caused by high pressure in the veins of the lower leg. Each vein has a one-way valve that allows for efficient blood flow upwards toward the heart. If the valves are weak or the veins are scarred or blocked, the blood flows backward and pools in the legs. This condition is called venous insufficiency. Over time, it will cause high pressure in the lower leg veins, which prevents sufficient nutrients and oxygen from getting to the tissues, causing cell death, tissue damage, and the formation of a wound or open sore.
Venous Ulcer Diagnosis
Our specialists will likely be able to diagnose a venous ulcer solely through a physical examination. We may also perform testing, including:
- Ankle-brachial Index – During this procedure, we take blood pressure readings of your arms and legs.
- Doppler Study – During this procedure, we listen to the blood flow through your veins.
- Diagnostic Imaging – Diagnostic imaging scans, such as CT scans, can identify damaged or poorly functioning valves.
Venous Ulcer Treatment
Venous ulcers will not heal on their own. If you suspect you’re showing venous ulcer symptoms, you should make an appointment with us right away for an evaluation. Without swift venous ulcer treatment, you are at risk of infection and other complications. The longer a venous ulcer exists, the more at risk you are for permanent tissue damage, life-threatening infections, and gangrene. We will determine the best method of venous ulcer treatment based on the size and progression of the ulcer, your health and lifestyle, and the location of the ulcer.
We may recommend:
- Antibiotics to treat infection.
- Compression stockings or bandages.
- Antibacterial ointments.
- Pain relief.
- Nerve calming therapies.
- Debridement to remove dead tissue and debris.
- Specialized bandages and wound dressings.
- Daily wound cleaning.
- Skin grafts.
- Venous disease treatment.
You can reduce your risk of venous ulcers or prevent one from occurring again by:
- Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle.
- Managing chronic conditions like diabetes.
- Losing weight.
- Stopping smoking.
- Maintaining treatment for high blood pressure.
- Taking blood thinners to prevent blood clots.
- Periodically raise your legs when seated to avoid blood pooling.
Schedule a Consultation with Our Specialists
Call us today or contact us online to schedule a consultation or venous ulcer diagnosis from our specialists at Arizona Vein & Laser Institute. We have six convenient locations in Arizona, including Mesa, Glendale, Surprise, Avondale, Chandler, and Phoenix. Each location is staffed with highly-skilled medical specialists and cardiovascular surgeons. We specialize in diagnosing and treating vascular and venous disorders and diseases.
Venous Ulcers FAQs
Knowing venous ulcer risk factors is helpful because you’ll better understand when to see a doctor. Pay attention to changes in your legs and schedule an appointment with us if you notice wounds that won’t heal. You might be at higher risk if you:
- Have a history of blood clots or deep vein thrombosis
- Have varicose veins
- Are overweight or obese
- Stand or sit in one position for long periods
- Are over age 50
- Have had previous leg injuries or surgeries
Both arterial and venous leg ulcers produce sores, but their causes and treatments vary. Knowing the difference is important for choosing the right course of action.
- Venous ulcers usually form above the ankle on the inner leg. They’re related to poor blood flow back to the heart.
- Arterial ulcers often develop on the feet or toes due to poor blood flow from the heart to the legs and feet.
Elevating your legs is a simple way to assist healing because it reduces swelling and improves blood flow back to the heart. This helps decrease the pressure in your veins, which is a major factor in venous leg ulcers. Aim to elevate your legs above your heart for 30 minutes three to four times per day.
Regular and gentle exercise can significantly aid recovery. Activities like walking or specific leg exercises help strengthen calf muscles, which act as a pump to push blood upward. Improved circulation spurred by exercise can speed up healing. However, avoid high-impact activities when possible. We can help you develop an exercise plan that works for you.
An infected ulcer can feel hotter than usual, may look red or swollen, and could release an unpleasant-smelling discharge. Other signs of infection include increased pain or a fever. If you notice any of these issues, contact us immediately to prevent complications.
Several factors can delay the healing process, including poor circulation, uncontrolled swelling, or an infection. Conditions like diabetes and obesity can also slow healing. Following your doctor’s treatment plan, managing other health conditions, and practicing consistent care will make a big difference in healing.
With proper care, many venous stasis ulcers heal within months. Furthermore, if you follow your treatment plan, you can greatly reduce your chance of getting another ulcer in the future. Following treatment, you can expect pain and swelling relief and a gradual closing of the ulcer. We’ll provide regular follow-ups to monitor healing and can help prevent recurrence with proven tips and techniques.
Care shouldn’t stop just because your ulcer has healed. Keep your legs moisturized to prevent dry skin and use compression stockings to maintain healthy circulation. Regularly check your legs for early signs of skin damage or a recurring ulcer and address any issues promptly.
Preventing future ulcers requires good leg health and circulation. Maintain a healthy weight, wear compression stockings, stay active, and elevate your legs when possible. Managing chronic health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure will also help lower your risk.