What Is a Venous Ulcer?

A venous ulcer is an open sore that forms when blood pools in the lower legs due to malfunctioning vein valves. Over time, increased pressure in the veins damages the surrounding skin and tissue, leading to breakdown and ulcer formation.

What Causes Venous Ulcers?

The primary cause of a venous ulcer is chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). In healthy veins, small valves help push blood upward toward the heart. When these valves weaken or fail, blood flows backward and pools in the lower legs.

This pooling increases pressure inside the veins, leading to:

• Swelling
• Skin inflammation
• Tissue damage
• Eventual ulcer formation

Risk Factors for Venous Ulcers

You may be at higher risk if you have:

• Varicose veins
• A history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Obesity
• Prolonged standing or sitting
• Pregnancy
• Increasing age

Venous Ulcer Symptoms

Venous ulcer symptoms often develop gradually.

Common signs include:

• A shallow wound on the lower leg or ankle
• Irregular wound edges
• Swelling in the leg
• Brown or purplish skin discoloration
• Drainage or weeping
• Leg heaviness or aching

If you have a non-healing leg wound that has not improved in 2–4 weeks, it is important to seek evaluation from a vascular specialist.

How Venous Ulcers Are Diagnosed

Diagnosis begins with a physical examination. However, identifying the underlying circulation issue is essential for proper treatment.

Most patients undergo:

• Duplex ultrasound to evaluate blood flow
• Vascular imaging to assess vein function
• Circulation testing to rule out arterial disease

Accurate diagnosis ensures the correct treatment plan and improves healing outcomes.

Venous Ulcer Treatment Options

Effective venous ulcer treatment addresses both the wound and the underlying vein problem.

Compression Therapy

Compression therapy is the foundation of treatment. Special bandages or compression stockings:

• Improve blood return
• Reduce swelling
• Lower venous pressure
• Promote healing

Wound Care Management

Proper wound care may include:

• Debridement to remove damaged tissue
• Specialized dressings
• Infection prevention
• Ongoing monitoring

Treating the Underlying Vein Problem

To prevent recurrence, the faulty veins must be treated. Minimally invasive options may include:

• Endovenous ablation
• Sclerotherapy
• Other vein procedures that restore healthy circulation

• Debridement to remove damaged tissue
• Specialized dressings
• Infection prevention
• Ongoing monitoring

How Long Does a Venous Ulcer Take to Heal?

Venous ulcer healing time varies depending on:

• Size and severity of the ulcer
• Overall circulation health
• Patient compliance with compression therapy
• Presence of infection

With appropriate treatment, many venous ulcers improve within several weeks. However, untreated ulcers can persist for months or longer.

Recurrence is common if the underlying venous insufficiency is not corrected.

Preventing Venous Ulcers from Returning

Preventing recurrence requires long-term circulation management.

Key prevention strategies include:

• Wearing prescribed compression stockings
• Elevating legs regularly
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Staying physically active
• Treating chronic venous insufficiency

Ongoing vascular care significantly reduces the likelihood of another ulcer developing.

When to See a Vascular Specialist for a Leg Ulcer

Venous ulcers are a sign of an underlying circulation problem that requires specialized care. You should seek medical care if:

• A leg wound does not heal within 2–4 weeks
• The wound becomes painful or infected
• You experience severe swelling
• You have a history of vein disease

CVT’s vascular specialists can determine whether the ulcer is venous, arterial, or related to another condition and develop a targeted treatment plan to restore healthy circulation and prevent further complications. Early treatment leads to better outcomes and faster recovery.