Venous ulcers are open skin sores that occur on the legs. They are often called leg ulcers because they are caused by circulation (blood flow) problems within the veins of your legs. Your body has an innate sense of healing, and when you get a scrape or cut it starts to fix it immediately. Over time, the cut heals. Ulcers, however, often won’t heal without proper treatment.
Signs and Symptoms of Venous Ulcers
An early sign of venous insufficiency can be blood pooling in the veins of the lower leg, and blood cells and fluid leaking out into the tissues and skin. These symptoms can cause itching, swelling, cramping, heaviness, and tingling. You may also notice a change in the color of the skin, which occurs with pooling blood. Additional symptoms of venous ulcers include:
- A shallow sore that has a red base, sometimes with a yellow tissue covering
- Unevenly shaped borders
- The surrounding skin may be tight, warm, shiny, or discolored
- Pain in the legs
- If the ulcer becomes infected, foul smelling pus may drain from the wound.
What Causes Venous Ulcers?
Most commonly found around the ankles, venous ulcers generally occur because of valve damage that has happened inside the veins of the legs. Valves work to control blood pressure in the veins and allow it to drop when you’re moving. If it doesn’t drop as you’re moving, you may experience sustained venous hypertension. This can increase blood pressure and make ulcers form on your ankles. Venous ulcers can be linked to chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins. If you are concerned about your vein health or venous ulcers, contacting a Minneapolis vein professional is a great idea.
Consult a Minneapolis Vein Professional
If you are concerned you have a venous ulcer or another venous insufficiency, give Minneapolis’ Spartz Vein Clinic a call at 651-237-3855, or visit our online appointments page. We can help you clean, treat, medicate, and even prevent further issues. We look forward to hearing from you!