Venous ulcers are open sores that appear on the lower legs. They are common in patients who have a history of leg swelling, blood clots or varicose veins. These deep wounds often take some time to heal and require medical intervention to treat properly. Most venous ulcer treatment is twofold and involves both the wound itself and the circulatory problems that led to the development of the ulcer in the first place.
Who is a Candidate for Venous Ulcer Treatment?
Anyone who is diagnosed with a venous ulcer will probably require treatment to ensure the wound does not grow larger or become infected. While some smaller ulcers might heal on their own, the majority will need a combination of treatments to heal completely. If you believe you might have a venous ulcer, it is important to talk to one of our doctors about treatment so you can address your wound before infection sets in. The larger and deeper the ulcer is; the more difficult it is to treat.
What are the Options in Venous Ulcer Treatment?
There are many options in venous ulcer treatment today. While some are focused on reducing leg swelling and maximizing blood flow within the legs, others are primarily designed to treat the wound itself. A combination is usually required to effectively promote full healing of the leg. Some of the treatment options might include:
- Dressings to protect the wound and promote healing
- Antibiotics if the ulcer is infected
- Unna Boot, which is a gauze bandage wrapped around the wound site to promote healing and better blood flow
- Compression garments to stimulate blood flow and promote wound healing
- Leg elevation to prevent swelling
- Surgery for particularly large wounds or to remove varicose veins that caused the ulcer
It is important to note that treating the wound directly without addressing the blood flow issue will not effectively get rid of the venous ulcer completely. The patient and doctor usually select a multifold approach to treatment that includes dressings and antibiotics for the wound, with compression garments to keep the ulcer from returning.
How do I know which Treatment is Right for Me?
The type of treatment used for your venous ulcer will depend on the size of the wound, whether it is infected and what caused the ulcer to appear in the first place. When you make an appointment with one of our vein clinics, our professional staff will discuss your options with you so you can rest assured you will receive the best treatment for your specific needs.
What will My Home Care Look Like?
Home care is an important part of effective venous ulcer treatment. Once your wound is dressed, you will need to change the dressings regularly to keep them clean and prevent infection. Leg elevation is another important element in treatment, and should be practiced for at least 30 minutes at a time, three or four times a day. If medication or compression garments are prescribed, they will need to be taken or used precisely as instructed. You will also need to monitor your wound, and call us if any new symptoms, like pain, redness or signs of infection occur. In some cases, venous ulcer treatment may take a number of weeks to complete, and you will need to see your doctor regularly during that time to ensure your wound is healing properly.
How Can I Prevent Future Ulcers?
There are many factors that might contribute to the incidence of a venous ulcer, including:
- Lack of physical activity
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- Varicose veins
- Being overweight
Once your venous ulcer heals completely, your doctor will discuss preventative measures with you to ensure you don’t have additional ulcers appear. While venous ulcers can be a painful and difficult condition to treat, our experienced staff can customize a treatment program to your specific needs for a greater chance of success with your current ulcer and prevention of additional venous ulcers in the future.
