Leg ulcers are a serious health complication that requires expert wound care. These chronic open wounds, which are the result of underlying issues, typically take several weeks to heal.
The risk of developing leg ulcers increases with age, and this means you’re more at risk if you’re over age 60. These wounds can start small, but their slow healing time increases the chance of infection. What’s more, leg ulcers can have an impact on your quality of life.
At CA Heart and Vein Specialists in Huntington Beach, California, Dr. Majed Chane and our team evaluate, diagnose and treat leg ulcers. Are you at risk? Here are several factors that lead to leg ulcers in people over 60.
Venous leg ulcers account for up to 80% of all leg ulcerations. One of the most common causes of leg ulcers in older adults is poor blood flow, often due to chronic venous insufficiency, which occurs when veins have trouble getting blood back to the heart.
Venous insufficiency develops as the valves in the veins weaken, allowing blood to pool instead of returning efficiently to the heart — especially in the legs. Over time, the lack of proper circulation can damage skin tissue and lead to sores that are slow to heal.
Varicose veins are more than a cosmetic concern. When these veins become enlarged and twisted, they disrupt healthy blood flow in the legs. This increases pressure in the smaller blood vessels and can break down the surrounding skin. For some older adults, varicose veins are an early warning sign of a higher risk for venous ulcers.
Diabetes and slow wound healing can cause nerve damage, reducing sensation in the feet and legs. This means a small cut or scrape might go unnoticed and untreated, eventually turning into a chronic ulcer. In addition, high blood sugar can weaken the immune system, making infections more likely and healing more difficult.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, places extra stress on blood vessel walls. Over time, this strain can damage the vessels in the legs, reducing oxygen and nutrient delivery to the skin. Without proper circulation, even minor injuries can develop into slow-healing ulcers.
Certain habits increase the risk of leg ulcers in people over 60 — smoking, for example, damages blood vessels and slows circulation. Obesity places extra pressure on leg veins, worsening venous insufficiency. Limited mobility, whether from arthritis, injury, or other health conditions, can also reduce circulation and make it more difficult for wounds to heal.
Leg ulcers carry a major concern for the risk of infection. An untreated ulcer can allow bacteria to enter the body, leading to cellulitis or even more serious health issues. That’s why prompt evaluation by a specialist is so important.
At CA Heart and Vein Specialists, treatment may include compression therapy to improve circulation, wound care to protect the area, and antibiotics to treat infection.
Staying active, keeping your legs elevated, managing chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension, and wearing compression stockings can help reduce your risk of developing leg ulcers.
If you have concerns about slow wound healing, contact our experienced team at CA Heart and Vein Specialists to request an appointment. We can take the most appropriate steps to heal your leg ulcers and prevent additional complications.
