Venous Leg Ulcers Treatment
Venous leg ulcers, also known as venous stasis ulcers, are a complication of venous disease. Venous ulcers account for 80% of leg ulcers. Venous leg ulcerations are chronic, painful sores in the lower leg and ankle, that can develop because of poor circulation most commonly due to chronic venous insufficiency (or venous reflux disease). In chronic venous insufficiency, the valves that keep the blood flow up the leg toward the heart are damaged. This results in blood flowing backward and pooling which causes increased pressure in legs-venous hypertension. Over time, this poor circulation diminishes oxygen delivery to the surrounding tissue, resulting in inflammation and progressive skin and soft tissue damage that can lead to venous ulcers. These venous wounds can persist for a long time and can be difficult to heal without treatment.
New York Vein Treatment Center’s doctor treats calf pain, leg pain, and other symptoms and complications of venous disorders. We have helped thousands of patients in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island, as well as the surrounding New York area.
What are the Signs of Venous Ulcers?
Venous leg ulcer symptoms often include:
- Swollen ankles
- Cracked, scaly and dry skin on the legs
- Skin discoloration and hardening skin around the ulcer
- Pain, itching, and burning sensation
- Heavy feeling in the legs
- Varicose veins
Venous Ulcer Stages
The development of venous ulcers occurs in stages. Early stages are often missed or misdiagnosed because the skin appears as mild irritation or a rash but will eventually develop into an open wound that tends to have a discharge and typically has trouble healing without medical interventions.
What are the Signs of Ulcer Infection?
Because leg ulcers are breaks in the skin of the legs, venous ulcers can be prone to bacterial infections. Signs of an infected ulcer are:
- Yellow/green discharge that may have a foul smell
- Swelling and redness
- Pain that is increasing
It is very important to have your leg ulcer evaluated by a vascular specialist since this type of infection can be life-threatening.
How do You Treat Venous Leg Ulcers?
Venous leg ulcer treatment focuses on treating the underlying vein disease-therapies are aimed at lowering the venous pressure, therefore, increasing healthy blood circulation and improving oxygen delivery to the damaged tissue. At the New York Vein Treatment Center, we offer treatment options to improve your leg ulcers and prevent infection. Therapies are aimed at improving blood flow and preventing complications of chronic venous insufficiency. These treatments include:
Endovenous treatments are aimed at lowering venous hypertension, allowing the blood to circulate rather than pooling in the diseased veins. Blood is rerouted from the damaged veins into healthy veins with functional valves. This is accomplished by:
- Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT)
- Varithena foam sclerotherapy
- Ultrasound guided sclerotherapy
Compression therapy involves using bandages or stockings to apply pressure to support the venous blood flow back to the heart. They lower the venous pressure and aid in reducing the blood from pooling in addition to reducing the risks of forming a blood clot also known as a deep vein thrombus-DVT.
Antibiotics are prescribed if the wound is infected.
Leg elevation to a level above the heart is encouraged when sitting or lying down. The higher the leg is elevated, the lower the pressure in the legs.
The New York Vein Treatment Center offers exceptional care and treatment for venous ulcers. Don’t wait till varicose veins develop into leg ulcers. We are the premier vein center in New York that offers comprehensive treatment for varicose veins and venous disease. If you have leg ulcers, contact us today at (212) 575-8346 to schedule an appointment.
Venous Leg Ulcer Doctor in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and NYC
The New York Vein Treatment Center’s venous leg ulcer doctors offer exceptional care and treatment. Don’t wait till varicose veins develop into leg ulcers. We are the premier vein center in New York that offers comprehensive treatment for varicose veins and venous disease. If you are looking for venous leg ulcer treatment, contact us today at (212) 575-8346 to schedule an appointment.
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