Venous leg ulcers

Venous leg ulcers are sores that take a long time to heal.

Recognising venous leg ulcers

They’re most commonly seen on the lower leg above the ankle and can be painful and itchy. The skin in the affected area can also become hard and discoloured.

They’re usually associated with persistent circulation problems in the legs and are more common in older age groups and people with a history of other vascular problems, such as DVT and varicose veins, as well as those who are overweight or have been less mobile due to a leg injury or surgery, for example. People with diabetes also tend to be more at risk of leg ulcers.

Treatments

While they can be distressing and uncomfortable, the good news is that leg ulcers can heal – but it’s very important to get the appropriate specialist treatment. This often involves a series of steps being taken, including correct management and care of the ulcer, compression to aid circulation in the legs, as well as treating varicose veins which may be contributing to the problem. Our vascular specialists can help identify the best steps for you, and can also provide advice around lifestyle measures to help the healing process and prevent further ulcers developing in the future. Very stubborn or problematic ulcers may require surgical intervention, which can also be performed by the vascular specialists at Hadley Wood.