Venous ulcers are slow-healing wounds that usually develop on the legs due to poor blood flow. If left untreated, they can become painful, infected, and even lead to serious complications.
At Vascular Specialists, our providers believe that knowing your risk can help you take action long before ulcers develop. So, in the spirit of prevention, here are four common risk factors for venous ulcers and what to do if you’re concerned about your vein health.
Chronic venous insufficiency — the most common cause of venous ulcers — happens when the one-way valves in your leg veins don’t work properly and your blood can start to pool instead of circulating back to your heart. This increases pressure in your veins, which can damage skin tissue and lead to ulcer formation.
Each year, 150,000 people are diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency. If you're concerned about the symptoms of this condition — such as leg swelling, heaviness, or skin changes — don't hesitate to reach out to our team.
At Vascular Specialists, we may recommend minimally invasive treatments such as VenaSeal®, sclerotherapy, or endovenous laser ablation. These effective procedures can help improve your circulation, manage venous insufficiency, and reduce your risk of developing venous ulcers in the future.
If you’ve had a deep vein thrombosis in the past, your veins may be scarred or damaged. This is called hemodynamic damage, and it can make it more difficult for your blood to flow properly. Hemodynamic damage can increase your risk of chronic venous insufficiency and, therefore, your risk of venous ulcers.
Being overweight or inactive puts extra pressure on your leg veins. Lack of movement means your calf muscles aren’t helping to push blood up through your legs, which can lead to circulation problems over time.
As you age, your vein walls and valves naturally weaken. If venous disease runs in your family, you may also be genetically predisposed to valve problems. While you can’t change your age or genes, you can take steps to protect your vascular health.
While you can’t control all risk factors — such as your age or family history — you can still take steps to reduce your chances of developing venous ulcers. Focus on the factors within your control:
If you’re overweight, shedding extra pounds can take some of the pressure off your veins. While this doesn’t undo the damage that’s already done, it can help prevent your symptoms from worsening.
Regular physical activity strengthens your calf muscles, which act like pumps to move blood back toward your heart. Simple activities like walking, swimming, or cycling a few times a week can significantly lower your risk of developing a venous ulcer.
If you notice persistent swelling in your legs, skin discoloration, itching, or a sore that isn’t healing, don’t wait — schedule an appointment with Vascular Specialists right away. The team may start by using a vascular ultrasound to check your blood flow and diagnose venous insufficiency.
If a venous ulcer is present or developing, your treatment options include compression management and direct wound management. We may recommend:
Your provider walks you through each step of caring for your wound so you know exactly what you need to do at home.
Our Vascular Specialists team provides expert care and advanced treatment options for venous ulcers and the conditions that cause them. Schedule a consultation today in Tinley Park, Illinois, or Munster, Indiana, to learn how we can help you stay one step ahead of vein disease.
Prefer to chat? You can reach us via phone at 815-824-4406.
