Understanding and Treating Chronic Venous Ulcers
If you're dealing with chronic venous insufficiency, you may develop a venous ulcer—a non-healing wound that typically appears on the inner ankle or foot. These ulcers are more than just a surface-level problem; they can have serious consequences if left untreated.
The Dangers of Venous Ulcers
The most common complication of a venous ulcer is infection. A local infection can cause fluid to ooze from the wound, or it can become a systemic infection, also known as sepsis.
Sepsis is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. It can manifest with symptoms like:
Fever and chills
Low blood pressure
General feeling of being unwell (malaise)
If you experience these symptoms, seek urgent medical care by visiting the emergency room. Sepsis and septic shock can be life-threatening or lead to limb loss, and often require intravenous (IV) antibiotics to fight the infection.
Taking Action: A Guide to Treatment
Before an ulcer reaches this dangerous stage, it's crucial to have the underlying venous reflux evaluated and treated by an experienced vein specialist. Here are the steps you should take if you have a chronic venous ulcer:
Address any infection first. If the wound is infected, it must be treated with antibiotics before other therapies can begin.
Wear medical-grade compression stockings. These stockings, ideally 30–40 mmHg, are essential for managing the underlying venous issues.
Consult a vein specialist. An expert can thoroughly evaluate the ulcer bed and the surrounding veins. Understanding the anatomy is critical for a successful outcome.
Get timely, minimally invasive treatment. Treating the underlying venous reflux as soon as possible is key to promoting healing. However, surgical removal of varicose veins near the ulcer bed (phlebectomy) is generally not recommended due to the high risk of poor healing.
Choose the right specialist. Select an experienced vein specialist who has the skills to properly care for the wound and access technically challenging veins. Not all specialists have the expertise to treat these complex cases.
Consider additional therapies. A sequential compression device can be used to improve lymphatic drainage, which helps with healing and reduces swelling.
proofread, Understanding and Treating Chronic Venous Ulcers
If you're dealing with chronic venous insufficiency, you may develop a venous ulcer—a non-healing wound that typically appears on the inner ankle or foot. These ulcers are more than just a surface-level problem; they can have serious consequences if left untreated.
The Dangers of Venous Ulcers
The most common complication of a venous ulcer is infection. A local infection can cause murky fluid to ooze from the wound, or it can become a systemic infection, also known as sepsis.
Sepsis is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. It can manifest with symptoms like:
Fever and chills
Low blood pressure
General feeling of being unwell (malaise)
If you experience these symptoms, seek urgent medical care by visiting the emergency room. Sepsis and septic shock can be life-threatening or lead to limb loss, and often require intravenous (IV) antibiotics to fight the infection.
Taking Action: A Guide to Treatment
Before an ulcer reaches this dangerous stage, it's crucial to have the underlying venous reflux evaluated and treated by an experienced vein specialist. Here are the steps you should take if you have a chronic venous ulcer:
Address any infection first. If the wound is infected, it must be treated with antibiotics before other therapies can begin.
Wear medical-grade compression stockings. These stockings, ideally 30–40 mmHg, are essential for managing the underlying venous issues.
Consult a vein specialist. An expert can thoroughly evaluate the ulcer bed and the surrounding veins. Understanding the anatomy is critical for a successful outcome.
Get timely, minimally invasive treatment. Treating the underlying venous reflux as soon as possible is key to promoting healing. However, surgical removal of varicose veins near the ulcer bed (phlebectomy) is generally not recommended due to the high risk of poor healing.
Choose the right specialist. Select an experienced vein specialist who has the skills to properly care for the wound and access technically challenging veins. Not all specialists have the expertise to treat these complex cases.
Consider additional therapies. A sequential compression device can be used to improve lymphatic drainage, which helps with healing and reduces swelling.
Physical therapy- Calf muscle is the most powerful anti-gravity pump to restore proper circulation after the treatment. Frequent walking, stretching and physical therapy to maintain and build calf muscle is highly beneficial for healing after treatment.
Comfortable shoes- Many patients suffer from hyper sensitivity ( often form of burning and throbbing sensation) especially on the top of the foot due to swelling. Comfortable sneakers with flexible fabric helps eleviate pain during walking and standing.
Understanding and Treating Chronic Venous Ulcers
If you're dealing with chronic venous insufficiency, you may develop a venous ulcer—a non-healing wound that typically appears on the inner ankle or foot. These ulcers are more than just a surface-level problem; they can have serious consequences if left untreated.
The Dangers of Venous Ulcers
The most common complication of a venous ulcer is infection. A local infection can cause murky fluid to ooze from the wound, or it can become a systemic infection, also known as sepsis.
Sepsis is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. It can manifest with symptoms like:
Fever and chills
Low blood pressure
General feeling of being unwell (malaise)
If you experience these symptoms, seek urgent medical care by visiting the emergency room. Sepsis and septic shock can be life-threatening or lead to limb loss, and often require intravenous (IV) antibiotics to fight the infection.
Taking Action: A Guide to Treatment
Before an ulcer reaches this dangerous stage, it's crucial to have the underlying venous reflux evaluated and treated by an experienced vein specialist. Here are the steps you should take if you have a chronic venous ulcer:
Address any infection first. If the wound is infected, it must be treated with antibiotics before other therapies can begin.
Wear medical-grade compression stockings. These stockings, ideally 30–40 mmHg, are essential for managing the underlying venous issues.
Consult a vein specialist. An expert can thoroughly evaluate the ulcer bed and the surrounding veins. Understanding the anatomy is critical for a successful outcome.
Get timely, minimally invasive treatment. Treating the underlying venous reflux as soon as possible is key to promoting healing. However, surgical removal of varicose veins near the ulcer bed (phlebectomy) is generally not recommended due to the high risk of poor healing.
Choose the right specialist. Select an experienced vein specialist who has the skills to properly care for the wound and access technically challenging veins. Not all specialists have the expertise to treat these complex cases.
Consider additional therapies. A sequential compression device can be used to improve lymphatic drainage, which helps with healing and reduces swelling.
Try physical therapy. The calf muscle is a powerful pump that helps restore proper circulation. Frequent walking, stretching, and physical therapy to maintain and build calf muscle are highly beneficial for healing after treatment.
Wear comfortable shoes. Many patients experience hypersensitivity, often a burning and throbbing sensation, on the top of the foot due to swelling. Comfortable sneakers with flexible fabric can help alleviate pain while walking and standing.
