Venous Stasis Ulcers

What is a venous stasis ulcer?

Venous stasis ulcers are ulcers that occur around the ankle or lower leg. They typically do not heal for weeks or months, and occasionally persist longer. Venous stasis ulcers are painful and red in color but may be covered with a yellow, fibrous tissue and an irregular border. Drainage and discharge are possible with venous stasis ulcers. This type of ulcer is common in patients with a history of leg swelling or varicose veins.

Causes of venous ulcers

• Venous hypertension
• Venous insufficiency
• Varicose veins
• Blood clots or poor circulation
• Diabetes, kidney failure, or inflammatory diseases
• Certain medicines
• Infections
• Obesity

Signs of venous ulcers

• Leg swelling and cramping.
• Dull ache or feeling of heaviness in the leg or calf.
• Itchiness and tingling, red-colored skin.
• Signs of pooling blood, including dark red, purple, and brown spots with hardened skin.
• Skin surrounding the ulcers may be shiny, tight and warm, or hot to the touch.
• The borders of the ulcers may be unevenly shaped.

Venous Stasis Ulcer Treatment

Leg elevation, compression therapy and other conservative methods may be used to treat these ulcers in its preliminary stages. Your doctor may use duplex ultrasound, a noninvasive test, to diagnose abnormal veins that cause venous ulcers.  It is important that you seek medical treatment if you are experiencing any of these signs to prevent these ulcers from becoming infected.

Contact one of Village Podiatry Center's vein clinics to schedule an appointment.