There are more than 200,000 reported cases per year, and the risk of leg ulcers rises with age. They are linked to a family history of varicose veins, an inactive lifestyle, and to jobs that require prolonged hours of standing. In fact, leg ulcers affect will affect about 20 in 1,000 people by the time they are in their 80’s.
Chronic venous insufficiency is a condition in which blood doesn’t flow up normally through the veins in the legs toward the heart. People with untreated venous insufficiency can develop open leg sores, which are called venous stasis ulcers.
These leg ulcers develop in areas where blood pools, and swelling interferes with the movement of oxygen and nutrients through the tissues. They generally appear just above the ankle on the inside of the leg and can be very painful. When left untreated, they can quickly become infected or even gangrenous.
The most common early leg ulcers symptoms are chronically swollen ankles, darkened or discolored skin around the ankle, skin that feels leathery or waxy to the touch, and also, sometimes, dull aching, cramping, or feeling of heaviness in the legs and feet that becomes worse after prolonged standing.
Other leg ulcers symptoms may include swelling, eczema of the surrounding skin and varicose veins, Typically, a red, irritated skin rash develops into an open wound. Venous stasis ulcers are usually recurrent, and open leg ulcers can persist from weeks to years.
However, doctors are now able to utilize new laser technology for leg ulcers treatment, to relieve the pain and begin healing. The goals of leg ulcers treatment are to reduce edema, improve healing, and prevent a 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 leg ulcer.
If you would like more information on early detection of leg ulcers or for leg ulcers treatment, 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.
