Leg ulcers pose a significant health concern that should never be ignored. These sores are slow to heal, painful, and can appear in multiple areas or one, impacting the quality of one's life. While various factors can contribute to the development of this condition, vascular care can facilitate healing and prevent reoccurrence.

Understanding Leg Ulcers and The Various Treatment Approaches

Leg ulcers explained

Leg ulcers are typically associated with venous insufficiency, arterial disease, or a combination. Venous leg ulcers are the most common type and result from damaged valves in the leg veins. This can lead to poor blood circulation and increased pressure in the veins. However, another form is arterial leg ulcers. They result from inadequate blood supply to the lower extremities (legs) due to arterial disease or the narrowing of blood vessels.

Vascular assessment

Considering compromised blood flow in both types of ulcers is the contributing factor, initiating a treatment plan that reignites circulation. Our team will need to evaluate or assess each patient to determine the exact insufficiency contributing to the ulcer. This may include a combination of non-invasive tests, such as a Doppler ultrasound, ankle-brachial index measurement, or transcutaneous oxygen pressure monitoring. If the ulcer produces a fluid, the doctor may also take a sample and have it tested in a lab to further zone in on the cause and check for signs of infection.

Treatment approaches

Firstly, the doctor will want to ensure patients know how to properly clean and wrap the wound to promote safe and quick healing. They will review how often to change the dressings, how to keep the skin around the affected area dry, and whether or not compression therapy is needed. Compression therapy involves compression stockings or bandages applying a certain amount of pressure to the legs. The directly increases the pressure inside the veins and improves blood circulation. However, there are different types and levels of compression stockings or bandages; therefore, our doctors will advise the appropriate ones for each patient.

For arterial leg ulcers, the doctor may suggest revascularization procedures. These procedures aim to restore normal blood flow to the affected limb(s). Revascularization procedures range in invasiveness and include:

• Angioplasty. Stretching the artery in the legs with a device that simulates a balloon
• Stents. Metallic cages are placed inside the legs to keep the vessel walls open
• Bypass surgery. Creating a new route for the blood to flow into the legs, revitalizing circulation
• Endarterectomy. Surgery to remove blockages in the legs

In some cases, the doctor may choose to combine treatments, especially if there is an immediate threat to the patient's health. However, no matter which option the doctor chooses, they will likely recommend lifestyle modifications such as healthy eating, daily activities, weight management, smoking cessation, and skin care tips to prevent the breakdown of each layer to prevent recurring and promote healing.

Call us for more information

If you have developed a leg ulcer or have a history of varicose veins, blood clots in the legs, or fractures in the leg bones that may not have healed correctly, give our Orange office a call. We will schedule a consultation to treat, manage, or prevent leg ulcers from recurring.

Request an appointment here: https://visoc.org or call Vascular & Interventional Specialists of Orange County at (714) 598-1194 for an appointment in our Orange office.

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