Venous Ulcer Management

A venous ulcer is an open wound that develops on the skin, most commonly around the ankle or lower leg, as a result of long-standing venous insufficiency. These ulcers can be slow to heal and may recur repeatedly if the underlying venous problem is not identified and addressed.

What Is A Venous Ulcer?

Venous ulcers develop when increased pressure within the veins of the lower leg causes damage to the surrounding tissue. This pressure is typically a consequence of venous reflux — the backwards flow of blood through damaged or incompetent vein valves. Over time, this pressure leads to skin changes, inflammation, and eventually the breakdown of skin tissue, resulting in an open wound.

Venous ulcers account for the majority of chronic leg ulcers in adults. Without appropriate management of the underlying venous disease, these wounds often heal slowly or fail to heal altogether, and have a high rate of recurrence.

What Causes Venous Ulcers?

The primary cause of venous ulcers is chronic venous insufficiency — a condition in which the valves within the leg veins no longer function properly, allowing blood to pool in the lower leg. Contributing factors may include:

• A history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Varicose veins that have been present for many years
• Previous injury or surgery to the leg
• Obesity, which increases pressure within the leg veins
• Immobility or reduced calf muscle function

How Are Venous Ulcers Diagnosed?

Diagnosis begins with a thorough clinical assessment, including a detailed medical history and physical examination. A comprehensive duplex Doppler ultrasound study is performed to identify the specific veins responsible for the increased venous pressure. This information is essential for developing an effective treatment plan.

Identifying the underlying cause is critical. Treating the wound without addressing the venous insufficiency is unlikely to result in lasting healing.

How Are Venous Ulcers Treated?

Effective management of a venous ulcer involves addressing both the wound itself and the underlying venous disease. Depending on the findings of your assessment, treatment may include:

• Compression therapy to reduce venous pressure
• Wound care and dressing management
• Endovenous Laser Ablation or Radio Frequency Ablation to close the underlying incompetent veins
• Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy to treat contributing veins

By treating the root cause of the increased venous pressure, it becomes possible to create the conditions needed for the ulcer to heal and to reduce the risk of it returning.

The Importance Of Early Assessment

Venous ulcers that are left untreated or managed without addressing the underlying venous disease can remain open for months or even years, causing significant discomfort and affecting quality of life. Early assessment by a specialist allows for timely intervention that gives the wound the best chance of healing.

If you have a wound around the ankle or lower leg that is slow to heal, has returned after previously healing, or is associated with swelling, skin discolouration, or varicose veins, we encourage you to seek an assessment.

Arrange An Assessment

Contact Vein Solutions South Africa to discuss your condition and arrange a comprehensive vein assessment. Book a Consultation today to take the first step towards lasting healing.