As we get older, many changes occur that affect our bodies and our health. Our vision changes, our muscles weaken, our stamina decreases, and our circulation suffers. This is especially true when the valves in our legs stop working properly. Those valves are supposed to keep our blood moving forward toward the heart and lungs, but age and other issues can intervene. One result can be a venous ulcer. Here are six signs you have a venous ulcer.
The Causes of a Venous Ulcer
Venous ulcers are leg sores that develop due to insufficient blood flow in the legs. Chronic venous insufficiency causes blood to pool in our lower legs causing swelling. Extreme swelling puts so much pressure on the skin, venous ulcers can form. This is especially a problem if you have a job that requires you to sit OR stand for long periods of time.
At the same time, our vein valves control the blood pressure in our legs. It should drop when we walk, but if that doesn’t occur due to defective or damaged valves, 
we have a condition called sustained venous hypertension. The increase in blood pressure can cause ulcers to form on ankles and lower legs.
If you develop swelling in your ankles and lower legs, don’t wait to contact Vein Center Brinton Lake in Glen Mills for an evaluation and early treatment.
Signs You Have a Venous Ulcer
- Early signs include itching and tingling, color changes on your legs, cramps, and a feeling of heaviness in your legs. All these indicate blood may be pooling underneath the skin.
- Shallow sores will appear with a red color around the edges. It usually has yellow tissue on top of the sore. The most significant indication it’s an ulcer is that it will not heal no matter what you do. Without adequate blood flow, our body finds it difficult to heal.
- The skin located around the sore will change colors. You may see red, purple, or even brown discoloration. This means your blood is pooling underneath. Your skin may also become shiny or look dry.
- You will have leg pain near the ulcer or in other parts of your leg.
- The ulcer will have a strange shape, not circular or oval. What you will see is how the blood is pooling under the skin.
- A venous ulcer is usually wet and less painful than ulcers from other causes.
A venous leg ulcer will not heal unless the underlying venous problem is treated and reversed. Don’t wait until the ulcer becomes infected to seek treatment. If infected, you will notice a bad smell and signs of pus near or inside the ulcer.
Timely treatment prevents any complications from a venous ulcer.
Contact Vein Center Brinton Lake at (610) 579-3516 with any signs you are developing a venous ulcer.
