Getting Prompt Treatment for Venous Ulcers

Venous skin ulcers are leg sores that do not heal fast, often due to weak blood circulation in your limb. Sometimes, these ulcers can result in more severe issues when left untreated. Thus, if you have this condition, you should seek timely ulcer treatments in Manhattan.

Common Causes of Venous Ulcers

These ulcers occur when your leg’s skin has a break, often around the ankle. Your leg veins are responsible for sending blood back to your heart. But, when they don’t do their job properly, they can lead to vein issues. When the blood flows back into your veins, your limb has to deal with increased pressure, weakening the skin and making it more difficult for a scrape or cut to heal.

Who is Prone to Venous Ulcers?

Venous ulcers are common in older individuals, especially women. Also, those who have varicose veins and past leg injuries can have ulcers. People who smoke, are obese, or suffer from circulation issues like blood clots or phlebitis can also develop venous ulcers.

Common Symptoms of Venous Ulcers

Venous ulcers can cause leg swelling and cramping. Also, they can make the legs feel heavier than normal. Sufferers can experience itching or tingling. Before the ulcer breaks through the skin, a red, purple, or blue spot can be noticed underneath the skin. Such colored spots break through your skin, making a sore that does not heal on its own. Your leg pain will become intense when the sore appears.

Treatment Options for Venous Ulcers

To effectively treat venous ulcers, your doctor will use a combination of wound care and management. When your ulcers open, you should clean and dress the wound regularly to ensure it doesn’t get infected. Also, you need to keep the area around the ulcer dry to prevent it from growing in size. Your vein doctor may recommend wearing a compression stocking to keep blood from pooling in the leg. Also, you may need surgery on the vein that leads to the ulcer if you don’t get a remedy from traditional treatment options. Surgery may be necessary if your ulcer reappears continuously and if the ulcer has been infected or gotten bigger than before. During the surgical procedure, your doctor will open the vein to allow better blood flow.

Preventing Venous Ulcers

To ensure your venous ulcers do not appear or reappear, you must make lifestyle changes. For instance, if you smoke, take the necessary steps to stop smoking since this habit can make it more difficult for your body to heal and impacts blood circulation. It is also important to maintain a healthy weight, especially if you struggle with obesity or being overweight.