Venous ulcers can occur when there is insufficient blood flow from the legs. When the valve in the vein does not function properly, blood pools in the veins and can seep into the surrounding tissue. The tissue becomes damaged and hardens, usually resulting in skin discoloration and sores. These ulcers do not always arise when there is venous insufficiency, but if you do have varicose veins or other vein disorders, you may be at risk.
Risk Factors and Symptoms
The risk factors for venous ulcers are similar to other vein disorders, such as smoking, obesity, standing or sitting for long periods of time and lack of exercise. If you have deep vein thrombosis, the risk for ulcers is also quite high. Once the ulcers have formed, you will start to see physical signs. The skin around the affected vein can become discolored, usually red or purple like a bruise. The skin can then become dry and itchy. The skin can also break and become infected, which can be extremely painful. It is best to seek help from a trained physician at the first sign of the ulcer. If left untreated for too long, it may be hard to treat or get rid of the ulcer completely.
Treatments
Treatments can vary, depending on the severity and stage of the ulcer. When the ulcer is still forming, your doctor may recommend elevating your legs to get blood flowing through the area. Improving circulation to your legs is important to not only treat venous disorders but to prevent them as well. Compression stockings are also a useful tool in treating or preventing ulcers. These can be worn daily to increase the blood flow through the legs to the heart. Treating the underlying disorder can help treat ulcers. If you have a venous disorder such as varicose veins you should seek medical treatment to ensure the problem does not become worse. A board-certified vein specialist will work with you in determining the best course of action for you.
The professionals at Total Vein Care can help you prevent vein-related health problems. Call (225) 245-3540 to set up a consultation or learn more by going to https://totalveincarelouisiana.com.
