Venous ulcers occur when there is a disruption in the normal flow of blood through the veins in the legs. They can be categorized as sores that break the skin’s surface, and while they are not limited to a certain skin region, legs are the most common site of occurrence at over 60% of all cases.
While your body is typically more than capable of handling injuries on its own, venous ulcers may only heal with medical treatment. However, there are steps you can take to prevent this condition.
Here’s what you should know about keeping healthy against venous ulcers.
How Do Venous Ulcers Develop?
Vein disease is the most prevalent underlying cause of persistent leg ulcers. More than two-thirds of all leg ulcers are caused by venous disease.
The veins in your leg are like little pipelines that transport blood from your feet to the heart and feature one-way valves that prevent blood from flowing in the other direction. Thrombosis (clots in the veins) may cause damage to these valves or make them less functional. Damaged valves allow blood to travel in the incorrect direction down the veins, leading to highly elevated vein pressure while you’re standing upright. As a result, ulcers develop on your legs.
How to Lessen Your Risk of Developing a Venous Ulcer
Keeping your veins healthy is the first line of defense against venous ulcers. This may be accomplished by adopting a lifestyle that promotes good circulation in the legs. If you want to avoid serious swelling or blood pooling in your legs, regularly using compression stockings may also help.
Making the following modifications to your lifestyle can help improve your body’s circulation and lessen your likelihood of developing venous ulcers:
- Move around often.
- Live a smoke-free lifestyle.
- Elevate your legs briefly at the end of each day.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Engage in regular physical activity.
Treatment for Venous Ulcers in Sherman Oaks, CA
Dr. Larisse Lee at the LA Vein Center has significant expertise and training in the diagnosis and treatment of arterial and venous diseases and can help you choose the best course of action for your specific case. Dr. Lee is a highly decorated board-certified surgeon with multiple certifications and accolades to her name, including the prestigious National Research Service Award from the National Institutes of Health.
A venous ulcer can be treated, provided that it has an adequate supply of blood to heal. Multiple methods can be used to treat a venous ulcer, such as:
- Radiofrequency catheter ablation
- Intravascular ultrasound during a venogram
- Wound care and compression therapy
To explore these treatments and more, schedule an appointment with the LA Vein Center by calling (818) 325-0400.