Venous ulcer

A type of chronic wound caused by poor blood circulation in the veins

Venous ulcer
Venous ulcer dorsal leg.jpg
Synonyms	Stasis ulcer, varicose ulcer
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Open sore on the leg, pain, swelling
Complications	Infection, cellulitis
Onset	Gradual
Duration	Long-term
Types	N/A
Causes	Poor blood circulation in the veins
Risks	Varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis, obesity
Diagnosis	Clinical examination, Doppler ultrasound
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Compression therapy, wound care, surgery
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Good with treatment
Frequency	Common in older adults
Deaths	N/A

A venous ulcer, also known as a stasis ulcer or varicose ulcer, is a type of chronic wound that occurs due to improper functioning of venous circulation, typically in the lower extremities. These ulcers are a common complication of chronic venous insufficiency and are characterized by open sores that can be painful and difficult to heal.

Pathophysiology

Venous ulcers are primarily caused by venous hypertension, which results from malfunctioning venous valves in the legs. This leads to increased pressure in the veins, causing blood to pool and fluid to leak into surrounding tissues. Over time, this can damage the skin and underlying tissues, leading to ulcer formation.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of a venous ulcer is an open sore on the leg, usually located near the ankle. Other symptoms may include:

• Swelling in the lower legs
• Aching or heaviness in the legs
• Skin discoloration or changes in texture
• Itching or irritation around the ulcer

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of venous ulcers is typically based on clinical examination. A Doppler ultrasound may be used to assess blood flow in the veins and confirm the presence of venous insufficiency.

Treatment

The mainstay of treatment for venous ulcers is compression therapy, which helps improve blood flow and reduce swelling. Additional treatments may include:

• Wound care: Regular cleaning and dressing of the ulcer to promote healing
• Medications: Topical or oral antibiotics if infection is present
• Surgery: Procedures to improve venous circulation, such as vein stripping or endovenous laser therapy

Venous ulcers before surgery

Progression of a venous ulcer under treatment

Prognosis

With appropriate treatment, venous ulcers can heal, although they may recur if underlying venous insufficiency is not addressed. Long-term management may include lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and regular exercise, to improve venous circulation.

Prevention

Preventive measures for venous ulcers include:

• Wearing compression stockings
• Elevating the legs when sitting or lying down
• Avoiding prolonged standing or sitting
• Maintaining a healthy weight

Also see

• Chronic venous insufficiency
• Varicose veins
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Compression therapy