Venous Leg Ulcers

Open sores and skin breakdown occur when poor circulation and vein disease prevent proper healing, most commonly near the ankles.


What Are Venous Leg Ulcers?

Venous leg ulcers are open sores that develop when damaged veins can’t return blood effectively to the heart. This leads to increased pressure in the leg veins, fluid leakage, and tissue damage that becomes difficult to heal.

How Ulcers Develop

Key Takeaway

Ulcers are a sign of advanced vein disease, but can heal with the right treatment.

Warning Signs Before Ulcers Develop

Skin discoloration and tightness infographic
Swelling and fluid buildup in feet
Burning, itching, and irritation symptoms
Skin breakdown in foot and ankle

Why Venous Leg Ulcers Happen

Underlying vein problems lead to increased pressure and poor circulation.

Blood pooling in veins infographic
Pressure buildup in leg veins
skin & tissue damage illustrations

Evaluate the Cause

A proper vein evaluation identifies the underlying problem so we can treat at the source.

Evaluate the cause

WHY CHOOSE LIVO MEDICAL

Expert Vein Care Focused
on Finding the Cause of Your Symptoms

Specialized Vein Expertise

Led by Dr. Amr Badawy, a vein specialist focused exclusively on diagnosing and treating vein disease.

Advanced Vein

A detailed ultrasound examination helps identify underlying venous reflux, circulation problems, and hidden vein disease.

Minimally Invasive Treatment Options

Modern office-based procedures are designed to treat problem veins with minimal discomfort and little downtime.

Personalized Treatment Plans

Every treatment recommendation is based on your symptoms, vein health, lifestyle, and treatment goals.

Focus on Long-Term Result

Our goal is to improve both appearance and vein health while helping prevent future vein-related problems.

Insurance-Friendly Care

When spider veins are associated with symptoms or underlying vein disease, certain evaluations and treatments may qualify for insurance coverage.

Treatment Starts with the Underlying Vein Problem

Healing happens when we restore circulation and support the skin.

1

Vein Evaluation & Diagnosis

Non-invasive ultrasound evaluation to find the root cause.

2

Wound Care & Circulation Treatment

Medical-grade wound care combined with vein treatment options.

3

Prevent Recurrence & Skin Protection

Long-term plan to protect skin, improve circulation, and prevent ulcers.

Get A personalized treatment plan

Our vein experts create a plan tailored to your needs for the best outcome.

Related Vein Conditions

Chronic Venous Insufficiency

The most common cause of venous leg ulcers and other vein symptoms.

Skin Discoloration

A sign of long-term venous damage and poor circulation

Leg & Ankle Swelling

Often caused by fluid buildup from vein disease

Frequently Asked Questions

A venous leg ulcer is an open sore that usually develops near the ankle or lower leg due to poor vein circulation. It often occurs when chronic venous insufficiency causes long-term pressure and skin damage.

Venous leg ulcers are commonly caused by damaged vein valves and venous reflux. When blood pools in the lower legs, pressure builds and can lead to swelling, skin breakdown, and open wounds.

Yes. Venous leg ulcers can be serious because they may be slow to heal, painful, and prone to infection. They often require medical evaluation and treatment of the underlying vein problem.

Early signs may include ankle swelling, brown or red skin discoloration, itching, skin thickening, tenderness, or a small sore that does not heal. These signs should be evaluated promptly.

Yes. Untreated varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency can increase pressure in the lower legs and contribute to skin breakdown and venous ulcers.

Treatment may include wound care, compression therapy, and treatment of the underlying vein disease. A venous ultrasound can help determine whether venous reflux is preventing healing.

Some ulcers may temporarily improve, but they often return or fail to heal fully if the underlying vein problem is not treated. Proper vein care can help support healing and reduce recurrence.

You should see a vein specialist if you have an open sore near the ankle or lower leg, especially with swelling, skin discoloration, varicose veins, or a history of vein disease.

Still Have Questions?

Our vein specialists are here to help.