Venous Ulcers

Poor circulation significantly increases your risk of venous ulcers. Fortunately, prompt treatment can prevent them from worsening and encourage healing. At Complete Wound Care in Wallingford and Milford, Connecticut, complex wound care specialists Adrian Wyllie, MD, MBA, CWSP, FAPWH, and Vadim Kurbatov, MD, PhD, specialize in venous ulcer treatment. Call the nearest office today to schedule venous ulcer treatment, or book your appointment online.

What are venous ulcers?

Venous ulcers, or venous stasis ulcers, are slow-healing, open wounds that form on the legs and ankles. 

They occur when oxygen-poor blood flows slowly from the lower extremities to the heart. When circulation slows, the blood pools and places pressure on the veins. This pooling damages the skin and the surrounding tissues, forming an ulcer.

Do certain medical conditions increase the risk of venous ulcers?

Yes. Several medical conditions increase the risk of venous ulcers, including:

• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Venous disease
• Varicose and spider veins
• Paralysis

Lifestyle factors can also contribute. For example, venous ulcers commonly affect smokers and people who live sedentary lifestyles. 

What are the symptoms of venous ulcers?

Venous ulcers typically have an irregular shape and uneven borders. They’re often red or yellow and tend to develop on the lower legs, just below the calves and above the ankles. 

Many people experience aching pain, itching, and swelling as the ulcer grows. It might also ooze blood or pus and have a foul odor.

How are venous ulcers diagnosed?

Complete Wound Care diagnoses venous ulcers during a visual exam. Your provider assesses the ulcer’s size, shape, and appearance, collects a tissue sample (biopsy), and completes diagnostic imaging to identify the damaged vein valves in your leg.

The Complete Wound Care team makes personalized treatment recommendations after determining the severity of your venous ulcer.

How are venous ulcers treated?

Complete Wound Care providers use a holistic and patient-centered approach to treat venous ulcers. They might recommend:

• Wound debridement (removal of dead and diseased tissue)
• UltraMIST® Therapy
• Cellular and/or tissue-based products (CTPs)
• Compression therapy
• Offloading therapy
• Advanced wound dressings
• Negative wound pressure therapy (NWPT)
• Prescription antibiotics
• Pain management

Most people benefit from several types of therapy. Your provider monitors your ulcer at routine checkups and adjusts your treatment plan as needed.

Can venous ulcers be prevented?

If you have a history of venous ulcers, several things can reduce your risk of a recurrence. Complete Wound Care recommends maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and eating a heart-healthy diet. 

If you have a condition that affects blood flow, like high blood pressure, exercise regularly and take any medication as prescribed.

Call the nearest Complete Wound Care office today to schedule venous ulcer treatment, or book your appointment online.