Vein Practice
venous leg ulcers
Lower extremity ulcers associated with chronic vein dysfunction are a common debilitating problem an
d it is estimated that approximately 120000 are suffering from leg ulcers today in the UK. Patients experience pain, leg swelling and limited mobility that significantly affects their quality of life. These ulcers typically occur in the region of the leg between the ankle and the mid-calf level known as the gaiter region.
TREATMENT
The treatment includes compression bandage systems or compression stockings and adjunctive medical treatment. There is now good evidence that if the leg ulcers are associated with varicose veins, treating the varicose veins will reduce the possibility of the ulcer coming back once it has healed. This can be determined by ultrasound assessment of the leg veins. In some patients long term compression hosiery once the ulcer has healed is still necessary.
