A venous ulcer is a sore that usually develops over bony areas, typically the ankles, as a result of poor return blood flow in the veins. The unhealthy blood flow inhibits the body’s healing ability, leaving any small wound with a higher probability of infection. If a patient has varicose veins or chronic venous insufficiency, they could be linked to the ulcers. Both conditions inhibit healthy blood flow, which causes heaviness and swelling in the affected area. Set up a consultation with our vein professions if you have any questions about identifying and treating venous ulcers. Visit the Vein Centre in Nashville, Franklin, and Mount Juliet and start your journey to healthy veins today.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF VENOUS ULCERS?

  • Rashes or dryness
  • Discoloration
  • Foul-smelling fluid oozing from the sore
  • Tenderness or soreness around the sore

WHAT GOES INTO TREATING VENOUS ULCERS?

TRADITIONAL TREATMENT

Traditionally, treating venous ulcers involves preventatively wearing compression stockings. The stockings reduce swelling and slow down skin damage from venous ulcers. Once venous skin ulcers form, traditional treatments become more aggressive. Compression wraps, dressings, and skin grafts may be used. These treatments may take many weeks or even months to become effective. Compression stockings must be worn after the ulcers heal to prevent any future problems or ulcers. Past surgical treatments to remove the scar tissue were invasive and had low success rates.

CURRENT TREATMENT

Over the years, vein experts have made progress with new endovascular treatments. These surgical treatments open up the blocked veins with intravenous balloons and stents. Once the vein is opened, blood flow improves and improves the body’s healing factor. Ulcers and other skin wounds will heal faster, and the improved blood flow reduces the risk of future problems and returning ulcers.

PREVENTING VENOUS ULCERS

Rather than waiting to treat venous ulcers, you can prevent the long recovery by being aware of and using these factors.

The first thing you can do to take charge of your health is control leg swelling by elevation of the legs above the heart and wearing of compression stockings when up during the day.

Next, take steps towards regular exercise. The human body was made to move. Exercise improves circulation throughout the body and gives many other benefits.

Finally, if you do smoke, stop. Smoking inhibits the body’s ability to heal and hurts your circulation as well.

CALL US TODAY!

The experts at the Vein Centre will help you identify the severity of the ulcers and will recommend the best treatment for you. Book your consultation at a Vein Centre nearest you. Let us help you get back on your feet and get the pain relief you need.

Find us in Franklin at the Aspen Grove Medical Center, in Belle Meade across from the Kroger on Harding Pike, and in Mt. Juliet in the Tristar Summit Medical Center.