Venous ulcers are open wounds that usually form on the lower legs or ankles due to poor blood flow in the veins. Up to 90% of all chronic leg ulcers originate in the veins — far more than those affecting the arteries.
Venous ulcers can be painful, slow to heal, and easy to reopen. At Vascular Surgery Associates, LLC, we help patients understand why venous ulcers occur and how to support better healing.
While every patient differs, five key factors affect how your venous ulcer heals. Knowing these factors can help you play an active role in your recovery.
Healthy wound healing depends on good blood flow. In people with venous disease, blood has trouble moving back up the legs toward the heart, causing pressure to build in the veins and leading to swelling, skin damage, and eventually ulcers.
Managing the underlying vein problem is often the most crucial step in long-term success. If we don’t address poor circulation, even the best wound care may not be successful.
Treatments that improve venous blood flow, such as compression therapy or vein procedures, can improve healing and reduce the risk of future ulcers.
Swelling in the legs is a significant barrier to wound healing. Extra fluid puts pressure on the skin and surrounding tissues, making it harder for oxygen and nutrients to reach the wound. Swelling can also cause discomfort and increase drainage from the ulcer.
We often recommend compression stockings or wraps to reduce swelling and support blood flow. Elevating your legs throughout the day can also help. Patients who consistently manage swelling see faster healing and fewer setbacks.
Proper wound care is critical for healing venous ulcers, which includes regular cleaning, correct dressings, and monitoring for signs of infection. If a wound becomes infected, healing can slow down or stop.
Signs of infection may include:
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s vital to seek medical care immediately. Following our wound care instructions closely can help protect the tissues and promote healing.
Your overall health impacts how well your body heals. For instance, conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and kidney disease can slow wound healing. Smoking is another major factor, as it reduces oxygen delivery to tissues and damages blood vessels.
Good nutrition is also essential. Your body needs protein, vitamins, and minerals to repair skin and fight infection. Managing chronic conditions, staying active when possible, eating balanced meals, and avoiding tobacco can all make a meaningful difference in healing outcomes.
Venous ulcers are often chronic, meaning they can take weeks or months to heal and may come back without preventive care. One of the biggest challenges we see is inconsistent treatment, such as skipping compression, stopping follow-up visits, or ignoring early symptoms.
Long-term management focuses on preventing new ulcers by maintaining healthy circulation, controlling swelling, and caring for the skin. Regular check-ins with a vascular specialist help ensure that treatment plans remain effective and adjust as your needs change.
Venous ulcers are more than just skin wounds — they’re a sign of underlying vein disease. At Vascular Surgery Associates, LLC, we take a comprehensive approach that addresses both the ulcer and its root cause.
We offer cutting-edge therapies for circulatory problems like chronic venous insufficiency that trigger ulcer formation, including:
During sclerotherapy, we inject a special solution into problem veins, causing them to collapse and gradually fade away. Blood naturally redirects to healthier veins, which reduces pressure in the legs and supports the healing of a venous ulcer.
Varithena is a type of sclerotherapy that uses a medical foam instead of liquid. The foam allows the medication to fill and treat larger or more twisted veins. By closing diseased veins more effectively, Varithena can improve circulation and help ulcers heal faster.
ClosureFast uses gentle heat from radiofrequency energy to close a damaged vein. We place a small catheter inside the vein and apply heat to seal it shut, which reduces venous pressure in the leg and helps relieve non-healing ulcers.
VenaSeal utilizes a medical adhesive to seal problem veins. Blood flow is rerouted to healthier veins, helping reduce swelling and improve conditions that prevent venous ulcers from healing.
By combining advanced vascular care with patient education, we aim to improve healing, comfort, and quality of life. If you or a loved one is struggling with a venous ulcer, call Vascular Surgery Associates, LLC or use our online form to send us an inquiry today.
