What is Venous Ulcer | Causes | Symptoms | Best Treatment & Best Vascular Surgeon

Venous ulcers are one of the most common types of leg wounds that refuse to heal on their own. These ulcers can cause constant pain, swelling, and discomfort, especially in the lower legs. If left untreated, they can lead to infection, scarring, and even severe complications. Understanding what causes venous ulcers, their symptoms, and the best available treatments is essential for long-term relief and recovery.

In this detailed article, Dr. Santosh Patil – Best Vascular Surgeon in Pune, explains what venous ulcers are, why they occur, and how modern medical treatments can help you live comfortably again.

What is Venous Ulcer

What is Venous Ulcer?

A venous ulcer, also known as a venous leg ulcer, is a slow-healing open sore that develops on the leg or ankle due to poor blood circulation in the veins. When the veins in your legs fail to return blood effectively to the heart, the pressure inside them increases. This condition, called chronic venous insufficiency, weakens the skin and surrounding tissues, eventually leading to an open wound or ulcer.

These ulcers typically occur just above the ankle and may take several weeks or months to heal. Without proper treatment, venous ulcers can recur and become a chronic condition that impacts your mobility and quality of life.

Causes of Venous Ulcers

The root cause of a venous ulcer is poor blood flow (venous reflux). When vein valves—tiny flaps inside your veins—do not function properly, blood begins to pool in the lower legs instead of flowing back toward the heart. This pooling increases venous pressure, which damages the skin and tissues.

Several factors can increase your risk of developing venous ulcers:

  • Varicose veins: The most common cause; weak or damaged veins that disrupt normal blood circulation.
  • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): A history of blood clots can damage vein valves, leading to chronic venous insufficiency.
  • Obesity: Excess body weight increases pressure on leg veins, reducing efficient blood flow.
  • Prolonged standing or sitting: Occupations that require long hours on your feet or sitting can affect circulation.
  • Trauma or injury: A leg injury that doesn’t heal properly may develop into a venous ulcer.
  • Age and genetics: The risk increases with age and if there’s a family history of vein disease.

What are the Symptoms of Venous Ulcers?

Venous ulcers usually develop slowly, beginning with visible skin changes before the wound opens. Recognizing early symptoms can help prevent the condition from worsening.

Common signs and symptoms of venous ulcers include:

  • Swelling in the lower legs or ankles, especially after long periods of standing.
  • A feeling of heaviness or fatigue in the legs.
  • Itching, dryness, or thickening of the skin around the ankles.
  • Dark discoloration or reddish-brown patches on the skin near the ulcer site.
  • Pain or discomfort, which may worsen when the leg is lowered.
  • Open sore with irregular edges, often oozing clear or yellowish fluid.
  • Crusting or foul odor if an infection develops.

Early intervention at this stage can make treatment faster and prevent chronic wounds.

How Venous Ulcers Are Diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves a physical examination and imaging tests to identify the underlying cause of poor circulation.

Common diagnostic methods include:

  • Doppler Ultrasound: A non-invasive test to assess blood flow and detect venous insufficiency or blockages.
  • Venography: An X-ray with contrast dye to visualize veins and locate damaged valves.
  • Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI): Compares blood pressure in the ankle and arm to evaluate arterial health.

These diagnostic tools help vascular specialists like Dr. Santosh Patil design a personalized treatment plan that targets both the ulcer and its root cause.

What is the Best Treatment for Venous Ulcers

1. Compression Therapy

Compression is the cornerstone of venous ulcer management. Special compression stockings or bandages help reduce swelling, improve venous return, and speed up healing. Patients are usually advised to wear compression garments daily under medical supervision.

2. Medications

Topical or oral antibiotics may be prescribed if infection is present. Other medications such as anti-inflammatory creams and venotonic agents help strengthen vein walls and relieve symptoms.

3. Advanced Treatments

For chronic or recurring ulcers, advanced medical treatments may be necessary.

  • Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT): A minimally invasive laser treatment to close diseased veins and restore healthy blood flow.
  • Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): Uses radiofrequency energy to heat and seal faulty veins.
  • Sclerotherapy: A chemical solution is injected into damaged veins, causing them to collapse and fade.
  • Venaseal Closure System: A revolutionary treatment that seals diseased veins using a medical adhesive without surgery. It allows faster recovery and less discomfort compared to traditional methods.

Why Choose Dr. Santosh Patil – Best Vascular Surgeon in Pune

Dr. Santosh Patil is a leading vascular and endovascular surgeon in Pune, specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins, venous ulcers, and chronic venous insufficiency. With years of expertise in advanced minimally invasive techniques such as EVLT, RFA, Sclerotherapy, and Venaseal, Dr. Santosh ensures patients receive safe, effective, and long-lasting results.

Whether you are dealing with early-stage vein issues or chronic ulcers, Dr. Santosh Patil and his dedicated team at Expert IR Clinic provide comprehensive vascular care designed to restore your health and confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Venous ulcers are mainly caused by chronic venous insufficiency, varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), obesity, and prolonged standing or sitting. These conditions increase pressure in the leg veins, leading to skin breakdown and ulcer formation.

Early symptoms include swelling, itching, and skin discoloration around the ankles. Over time, an open sore may develop, which can become painful and slow to heal.

Venous ulcers are diagnosed through a physical examination and imaging tests such as Doppler ultrasound or venography to assess blood flow and detect venous insufficiency.

Venaseal is a minimally invasive treatment that uses medical adhesive to close diseased veins, restoring healthy blood flow. It helps reduce pain, swelling, and recurrence of venous ulcers while offering faster recovery.

Conclusion

Venous ulcers are more than just skin wounds—they’re a sign of underlying venous disease that needs attention. Recognizing the symptoms early and seeking treatment from a qualified vascular specialist like Dr. Santosh Patil can make all the difference. With modern treatments such as Venaseal, Laser Therapy, and Compression Therapy, patients can experience faster healing and a better quality of life.

If you’re struggling with non-healing leg wounds, don’t ignore them. Get expert help today and take the first step toward healthier, pain-free legs.

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