How to Care for Venous Ulcer Wounds
If you suffer from varicose veins, you are at a higher risk of developing a venous ulcer. Venous ulcers are painful open wounds that are caused by the same circulatory problems that lead to varicose veins.
The veins in our legs depend on one-way valves to pump blood back up to our heart. When those valves don’t work properly, blood pools in the veins. Over time, this pooling puts immense pressure on the vein, which can cause the skin tissue in that area to crack open and form an open wound.
There are a few warning signs of a developing venous ulcer, including:
Your legs feeling heavy and cramping up.
Tingling and itching sensations.
The skin in the affected area may change color to dark red, purple, or brown.
As the blood continues to pool, your skin may thicken.
You may have an injury that does not heal
Once the ulcer breaks through the vein and the skin, you’ll see a shallow, red-colored wound covered by a yellow tissue. The skin around the ulcer will be tight, shiny, warm to the touch, and discolored. An infected sore will have a foul odor and ooze pus. Venous ulcers typically appear at or above the ankle in the lower part of the leg.
Despite their unsightly appearance and the discomfort they cause, these open wounds respond well to treatment. It is very important to have an evaluation by a vein specialist to determine the specific cause. The abnormal vein can be treated to allow complete healing. Very rarely your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.
If you’ve been diagnosed with a venous leg ulcer, your doctor may recommend specific care of the ulcer. Fortunately, these guidelines are easy to follow and should bring relief in three to four months.
Compression Stockings may be recommended. To encourage the blood to move up to the heart, tight-fitting compression garments should be worn over the wound covering. These elastic stockings squeeze the veins in the legs so the blood circulates upward. They also reduce any swelling in the leg.
Elevate Your Leg. Another way to promote proper circulation is elevating the affected leg above your heart several times a day. Lie on flat surface and then prop your leg up on pillows to achieve this effect.
Exercise. Staying active also aids in the healing process. A brisk daily walk, swim, or other low-impact exercise that tones the calf muscles encourages healthy blood flow.
Professional Treatment for Venous Ulcers
Although they are uncomfortable and unsightly, venous ulcers are highly treatable. Our team can assess your wound and develop a treatment plan to restore your skin’s health. Varicose vein patients concerned about venous ulcers may also want to discuss their options for preventing open wounds by treating varicose veins before they become worse.
Elmore Medical Vein & Laser Treatment Center is the premier vein specialty medical practice in the Central Valley. Dr. Mario H. Gonzalez and his staff offer years of experience and medical expertise that you won’t find anywhere else. Contact us today to set up a consultation appointment.