It’s frustrating when a sore won’t heal, and a little bit scary, too. If you have a sore on your leg that hasn’t healed in a few weeks, there is a chance you are experiencing venous ulcer symptoms.
There are a variety of reasons you might be experiencing leg ulcer symptoms, including a few underlying conditions your general practitioner might be able to help you explore. You are more likely to develop a venous ulcer if you have a history of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis or superficial vein thrombosis), immobility, previous leg fractures or significant injuries, obesity, multiple term pregnancies, or varicose veins. Long periods of standing or sitting, and simply getting older, are also risk factors for venous ulcers.
Before anything else, it’s important to understand what you are looking at, and if it is in fact a venous ulcer. Read on for a simple breakdown of venous ulcer symptoms and signs, as well as a simple guide on what to do if you suspect you have one of these ulcers on your leg.
What is a venous ulcer?
A venous ulcer (also known as a leg ulcer) is a type of sore that doesn’t heal for a long time. It is also known as a stasis ulcer. It usually appears on the lower leg, most often around the ankle, because blood pools there when we are up and about. Doctors sometimes call this area the “gaiter” region. These ulcers develop when the veins in your legs aren’t effectively returning blood back up toward your heart.
If you have healthy veins, small valves keep the blood moving in the right direction. If those valves weaken or fail, blood can pool in the lower veins and cause leg ulcer symptoms from increased pressure. Eventually, this can damage the surrounding tissue and skin, leading to an open sore that struggles to heal.
Venous ulcer symptoms aren’t caused by a single cut or knock. They’re usually the result of an underlying condition that causes long-term circulation issues, which is why these sores can linger for months without proper treatment.
Venous ulcers account for about 50% of lower leg ulcerations. However, not all leg sores are venous ulcers. So, let’s unpack the leg ulcer symptoms you should be on the lookout for.
Venous ulcer symptoms and signs:
Venous ulcer symptoms often develop gradually, which is why they can be easy to dismiss at first. Many people notice changes in their legs well before an ulcer appears, but don’t always connect the dots.
The hallmark symptom is a sore that just won’t heal, no matter how much you look after it. If you’ve had a wound on your lower leg for several weeks and it just isn’t improving, that’s something to pay attention to. The skin around the sore might look quite red and inflamed, or even darker than the surrounding area. It might take on a brown or purple tone. Before an ulcer develops, the skin can feel hard, red, darkened, thickened, or woody around the lower calf and ankle (Lipodermatosclerosis).
Other venous ulcer symptoms can include:
- Swelling in the lower legs or ankles (especially toward the end of the day)
- Tight, itchy, or flaky skin (in some cases, it can become shiny or thin)
- An aching, heaviness, or discomfort in the legs after standing or sitting down for a long time
The ulcers themselves are usually shallow but wide, with uneven edges that look a bit jagged. They may ooze fluid and become painful or infected, especially if left untreated for weeks. The fluid can dry and crust over the ulcer.
If you notice a combination of these symptoms, especially if you already have circulation issues or varicose veins, it’s worth getting it checked soon.
What to do if you have leg ulcer symptoms:
If you’re experiencing leg ulcer symptoms, the most important thing you can do is avoid trying to manage it on your own. Because they’re usually linked to circulation issues, treating only the surface wound often does little to address the underlying long-term condition.
The best thing to do is check in with a medical professional who specialises in this type of sore, usually one who works with veins. We can assess the sore and determine whether poor vein function is contributing to the problem, or if something else is at play. Getting the sore checked early can make a big difference in how long it takes to heal and whether it comes back.
In the meantime, keep the area clean and protected, and keep moving. Standing or sitting for long stretches can make it worse.
Things to do at home.
Elevating your legs – ideally above the level of your heart for around 30 minutes, a few times a day – can also help reduce swelling and support healing, and is worth building into your daily routine rather than using as a one-off fix.
Compression therapy is one of the most effective treatments for venous ulcers, helping to improve blood flow back up the leg and reduce swelling. However, compression bandages or stockings need to be properly assessed and fitted by a professional first – poorly fitted compression can, in rare cases, cause harm. This is one more reason it’s worth having a vein specialist assess your leg before starting any treatment on your own.
Don’t ignore it.
Most importantly, don’t ignore it! These sores are often not painful in their early stages, which can delay people from seeking help until the wound becomes more serious.
In short, if you are experiencing venous ulcer symptoms or have a sore on your leg that hasn’t healed for a few weeks, it’s worth getting your leg checked out. Especially if you already have a vein condition!
At Delphi Clinic, we are here to help.
If you have symptoms of a venous ulcer or are concerned about a sore that isn’t healing, head to your GP or speak to a vein specialist like the team here at Delphi Clinic to make sure you know what you’re dealing with.
Learn more about how we can support you with our suite of advanced, non-surgical solutions for a variety of vein conditions. Alternatively, book your first appointment with us now.