LEG ULCERS

More Vein Conditions
What Causes Leg Ulcers?
Leg wounds or ulcers may begin with a small area of skin breakdown from trauma or pressure on a particular area. Patients with diabetes, history of smoking, and cardiovascular risk factors are more prone to developing ulcers that may not heal due to lack of blood flow to the area. A non-healing ulcer places the limb at risk for infection, gangrene (dead tissue) and limb loss (amputation).
Wounds that do not heal within 30 days are considered non-healing and evaluation for venous disease as well as peripheral artery disease is indicated.
What are the Signs/Symptoms of Ulceration?
Symptoms of extremity ulceration may include:
-
Skin breakdown (sometimes with fat or bone exposed)
-
Concomitant peripheral artery disease may exist with venous ulcers
-
Pain in the area of the ulcer
-
Drainage
-
Weeping
How are Leg Ulcers Diagnosed?
Evaluation for lower extremity ulcers/wounds should include:
-
Lower extremity venous ultrasound
-
Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) to exclude underlying PAD
-
Lower extremity artery ultrasound (if indicated)
-
CT and/or MR angiography
-
Wound care center referral
-
Podiatry and/or orthopedics referral