A leg ulceration is the most severe form of chronic venous insufficiency. This is referred to as a ‘venous leg ulcer.’ Venous leg ulcers make up 70% of all chronic leg wounds. Therefore, a venous leg ulcer is much more common than a diabetic or arterial ulcer. It is caused by long-standing pressure within the leg veins, resulting from 1) venous reflux through faulty valves, 2) a blockage within the deep veins or 3) from the inability to use the calf muscles or a combination. Venous reflux is the most common cause of a venous leg ulcer. The increased pressure within the leg veins (we call this venous hypertension) causes an inflammatory response. Inflammation then causes changes in the skin, usually around the ankles (this is where pressure is the greatest). The inflammatory process will cause the skin around the ankles to become brown or discolored, and eventually, the skin will break open. The leg wound can be healed by treating the underlying vein condition. Venous leg ulcers can also be prevented by early intervention with non-invasive procedures. If you have signs of chronic venous insufficiency (such as skin discoloration around the ankles) you should address your underlying vein condition to prevent the skin from breaking open.
Although treatment cannot reverse existing skin changes in CVI, it can forestall further degradation and ulceration. Addressing the underlying venous reflux diminishes inflammatory changes, potentially alleviating itchiness and dryness. Yet, persistent skin discoloration might endure despite successful reflux treatment. Central to treatment is rectifying the underlying venous reflux.
Venous leg ulcers, a potential outcome of severe CVI, demand a comprehensive healing approach. Treatments may involve:
A comprehensive ultrasound examination determines the precise location of the underlying reflux, whether in the saphenous veins, perforator veins, tributaries, or deep veins, guiding the appropriate treatment trajectory.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency entails complex implications for those affected. Armed with understanding the condition, its symptoms, and available treatments, individuals can make informed health decisions, navigating the path to wellness.
Non-healing ulcers fall into distinct categories, each stemming from different underlying factors. The three major classifications are:
The risk factors contributing to non-healing ulcers are diverse but share the ability to disrupt the body’s wound healing mechanisms. These factors include:
