Leg ulcers symptoms often include a dull ache, tenderness or pain in the legs, swelling, eczema of the surrounding skin, varicose veins, and hyperpigmentation. Early signs of venous stasis ulcers include darkened or discolored skin around the ankle, or skin that feels leathery or waxy to the touch.
Many people who have untreated varicose veins wonder what causes darkening of the skin, known as hyperpigmentation. Varicose veins occur when the veins in the legs are not functioning effectively at returning blood back up to the heart. Blood begins to pool and veins swell as the pressure inside increases, often causing inflammation and redness, which can advance to brown discoloration.
This brown staining around the ankles is caused from red blood cells leaking from the veins and into the surrounding skin. The skin may become dry, itchy or leathery, and can progress into open sores or leg ulcers, creating a serious risk of bacterial infection.
Leg ulcers are often recurrent, and open ulcers can last from weeks to years with severe complications. Additionally, because they are often resistant to healing and are prone to recurrence, they can significantly increase the risks for disease or death, and also have a consequential impact on the quality of life of those who suffer from them.
When there are changes in the skin due to varicose veins, the earlier treatment is sought with a specialist vein doctor, the better the prognosis. Once skin changes advance, they may become more difficult to treat.
The goals of leg ulcers treatment are to reduce edema, improve healing, and prevent recurrence. Endovenous laser ablation techniques have been shown to effectively treat leg ulcers and greatly reduce the risk of recurrence. Because smaller, newer ulcers are easier to treat than larger or infected leg ulcers, it’s crucial to seek treatment from an experienced vein specialist at the first sign of a venous skin ulcer.
If you would like more information regarding leg ulcers treatment, symptoms of vein disease or laser surgery for varicose veins, please contact the Goldman Vein Institute today at one of our two convenient locations:
Jupiter 561-625-9853 or Wellington 561-790-4550 or visit us at www.goldmanveininstitute.com.
At the Goldman Vein Institute, our mission is to provide our patients with comprehensive care for varicose veins, spider veins, and other conditions caused by venous insufficiency. Our highly-qualified and experienced, board-certified vein specialists, Dr. Goldman and Dr. Varghese-Goldman, combine their extensive knowledge and experience, with the latest innovations in vein treatments.
With our offices in Jupiter and Wellington Florida, the Goldman Vein Institute serves patients from Stuart, Hobe Sound, Tequesta, Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, North Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, Loxahatchee, Royal Palm Beach, Wellington, Hialeah, Sunny Isles, Bay Harbor, Bal Harbour, Miami Beach, Aventura, Surfside, Hallandale, and Hollywood, and we welcome patients across South Florida to visit our state-of-the-art vein centers, where we provide the latest in vein treatment technology.
