Venous Ulcers.
Open sores on the lower leg or ankle from chronic venous disease. We treat the underlying vein problem so the ulcer can finally heal.
- Most commontype of leg ulcer
- Root causevenous hypertension
- Outpatientvein treatment
- Better healingwhen reflux is closed
What are venous ulcers?
Venous ulcers, also called venous stasis ulcers, are open sores that usually appear on the lower legs or ankles. They are the most common type of leg ulcer and a sign that a deeper vein problem needs attention.
They are caused by poor circulation in the leg veins. When blood pools and pressure builds up, it damages the skin and underlying tissue, eventually leading to an open wound that struggles to close on its own.
Venous ulcers most often appear:
- Above the ankle, usually on the inner side
- On the lower calf
- Rarely on the foot or higher up the leg unless the disease is advanced
Signs of a venous ulcer.
Venous ulcers tend to come on slowly and can be mistaken for stubborn wounds that just will not heal. If you recognize several of these signs, the underlying veins likely need to be evaluated.
- Open wound with uneven edges
- Shallow sore that may ooze or drain fluid
- Skin discoloration (dark brown, purple, or red patches)
- Itching or burning around the sore
- Thick, hardened skin around the ulcer
- Swelling in the lower leg
- Pain, often worse when standing
- Foul odor if the ulcer becomes infected
It starts with venous hypertension.
Venous ulcers form when the veins fail to push blood back toward the heart efficiently. Blood pools, pressure builds, and over time the skin breaks down. The medical term for the underlying problem is chronic venous insufficiency.
Damaged or weakened valves let blood flow back down the leg instead of upward. That constant pressure injures the smallest blood vessels and the surrounding skin, which is why ulcers tend to keep returning when the vein problem is not addressed.
Common risk factors include:
- Varicose veins, a major risk factor
- Past deep vein thrombosis, which can damage valves
- Obesity, which raises leg vein pressure
- Aging, as vein walls weaken over time
- Prolonged standing or sitting
- Prior leg injuries or trauma to the veins
Healed vs active venous ulcer.
A venous ulcer can present as an open wound or as a healed area of pigmented, fragile skin. Either pattern points to ongoing venous disease underneath.
How we help ulcers heal.
Wound care and compression are important, but they do not address why the ulcer formed in the first place. Closing the faulty veins reduces the pressure that caused the wound, improves circulation, and gives the ulcer a real chance to heal. It also helps prevent new ones.
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01
Radiofrequency Ablation
Heat seals the diseased vein from the inside. Outpatient, local anesthesia, walk in and walk out.
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02
Varithena
A microfoam medication closes the faulty vein. No incisions and minimal recovery time.
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03
VenaSeal
A medical adhesive seals the vein. No heat and no tumescent anesthesia. Typically twenty to forty minutes.
Why choose Advanced Vascular?
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Reduces venous pressure. Closing the faulty vein takes the load off the skin and tissue around the wound.
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Improves circulation. Healthy veins carry blood back toward the heart so the leg can heal.
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Better odds of healing. Many ulcers that resisted dressings alone close once the reflux is addressed.
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Prevents recurrence. Treating the underlying disease lowers the chance of new ulcers forming.
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Insurance often covers it. Medically necessary vein treatment is covered by Medicare and most major insurance.
Common questions about venous ulcers.
If you have a question we did not cover, the team is happy to walk you through it on the phone.
A venous ulcer is a chronic wound that usually develops on the lower leg or ankle due to poor blood circulation from damaged veins. They are often slow to heal and tend to recur if the underlying vein problem is not managed.
Venous ulcers are typically caused by chronic venous insufficiency, where the leg veins fail to return blood to the heart efficiently. Pressure builds up in the veins, which damages the skin and surrounding tissue.
Pain, itching, or swelling in the affected area. Skin discoloration or darkening, usually around the ankle. An open wound with uneven edges and possible discharge. Hardened or leathery skin near the ulcer.
Diagnosis usually involves a physical exam, a detailed medical history, and a duplex ultrasound to assess blood flow and check for valve dysfunction or prior clots.
Healing time varies and may take several weeks to months depending on the severity and how well treatment is followed. Early evaluation and addressing the underlying vein disease improve outcomes.
Venous ulcer care
at Advanced Vascular.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Banerjee. We will evaluate the underlying veins and walk you through the options. No pressure.