Venous Leg Ulcers
What causes venous ulcers?
The venous system is made up of two kinds of veins:
- superficial veins, which are located between the skin and the muscles
- deep veins, which are located between the muscles
These vein systems are connected to each other by veins that have one-way valves which normally ensure that blood will flow only from the superficial veins to the deep vein system. When these valves fail, blood flows from the deep veins back out to the superficial veins, usually causing varicose veins.
Most venous leg ulcers occur because the valves mentioned above are not functioning properly.
What are some of the risk factors?
Arterial leg ulcers are serious warning signs. If left untreated, they may lead to further complications requiring surgical treatment.
Age: Leg ulcers have a tendency to recur in elderly people
Sex: Women are more likely to suffer from venous disorders. Hormonal changes occurring in pregnancy, menopause, hormonal replacement therapy and use of birth control may be a factor that increases the risk of varicosities to form. Female hormones tend to relax the walls in veins.
Obesity: A person who is overweight increases the risk of varicosities forming due to the increased pressure it puts on your veins.
Employment: Jobs or activities you may partake in that require you to stand for long periods of time are a definite risk factor. Standing increases pressure in the veins.
What are some of the symptoms?
- swollen leg
- the skin surrounding a venous ulcer can be dry, itchy and sometimes brownish in colour
- varicose eczema may appear
the ulcer has a weeping, raw appearance. It may be painless unless it is infected.
venous leg ulcers are often located just above the ankle, typically on the inside of the leg
