Not only can leg ulcers be painful, but if left untreated, they can lead to severe complications like infection. Dr. Majed Chane and his team at CA Heart and Vein Specialists in Huntington Beach, California have the expertise to provide leg ulcer treatment to men and women in and around Orange County. If you notice leg sores and wounds that won’t heal, be sure to make an appointment with Dr. Chane and his team right away. You can schedule your appointment using the online system, or by contacting the office.
A leg ulcer, also known as a venous skin ulcer, is a sore that won’t heal or is slow to heal. This condition can affect anyone, but it’s more common in women. If you break the skin on your leg and have poor circulation, a leg ulcer may develop. This indicates the valves in the area are not keeping blood moving properly.
Though leg ulcers are easy to treat, if left untreated, they can lead to serious issues such as an infection.
Along with the tell-tale symptom of a sore that won’t heal, other symptoms of leg ulcers include:
If you have diabetes, you may not feel pain stemming from a leg ulcer. It’s important to check for wounds regularly if you have diabetes so issues can be detected and treated early.
Dr. Chane and his team use have many treatment options for leg ulcers. If your leg ulcer is infected, Dr. Chane and his team will recommend antibiotics to fight the infection. If needed, he’ll also drain any infection from the wound. Keep the area covered as directed to protect it from becoming infected again.
You'll need to improve your circulation when it comes to treating leg ulcers. Compression bandages help improve blood flow and encourage healing. You will also need to keep your legs elevated throughout the day.
Leg ulcers are often hereditary, meaning if you have a family history of them, you’re at increased risk of developing them as well.
Other risk factors include:
Lower your risk of developing leg ulcers by quitting smoking and managing health issues like diabetes and high blood pressure.
Leg ulcers are often painful and if left untreated can lead to other complications. If you notice a sore on your leg that is slow to heal or isn’t healing at all, be sure to schedule an appointment with Dr. Chane and his team at CA Heart and Vein Specialists. Schedule your appointment by calling the office or using the online scheduler.