Venous Leg Ulcers
Wound Medicine

Did you know that 2% of adults are affected by venous leg ulcers? So, if you are facing this medical issue, you’re not alone. The good news is that there are advanced treatments for non-healing ulcers, and MedCentris is at the forefront of innovation in wound care.

Whether you have just noticed the development of a venous leg ulcer, or you have a leg ulcer that has been present for a while, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our skilled, compassionate team.

Why Choose MedCentris for Wound Care?

We understand firsthand how uncomfortable and unsightly venous leg ulcers can be. Venous leg ulcers also have a reputation for being challenging to treat, so it’s recommended to work with a wound specialist that utilizes the latest venous ulcer treatments.

If you’re unfamiliar with venous leg ulcers (VLUs for short), they are chronic wounds that typically develop on the lower leg, often around the ankle area. Because they can be difficult to treat, especially if they’re not caught early, they require an individualized treatment plan that diagnoses the underlying cause of the ulcer.

At MedCentris, we have the latest, most advanced treatments available, and a team of highly trained specialists and clinical support staff. Our goal is to treat any existing leg ulcers and address the root cause of what caused them to prevent them from coming back.

Causes of Venous Ulcers

There are several issues that can lead to venous leg ulcers, though the underlying cause is a failure of the circulatory system to return blood from the legs back to the heart. As a result, lower leg swelling occurs, and you’ll notice blistering and/or wounds in the area. Surrounding areas can also develop hyperpigmentation and varicose veins.

At MedCentris, our wound care team carefully evaluates each patient to determine the underlying cause of the venous leg ulcers, including:

• Venous Insufficiency: Impaired blood flow that leads to hypertension
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Blood clots that obstruct blood flow
• Previous leg trauma: Past injuries
• Sedentary lifestyles: Lack of physical movement or activity
• Excess weight: Being overweight puts extra pressure on veins

Ignoring the symptoms and hoping that a venous leg ulcer will heal on its own can lead to worsening of the wound(s). Leaving this condition untreated can lead to serious complications, including amputation. We encourage you to get in touch with us as soon as possible to schedule an initial assessment.

Difference Between Venous and Arterial Leg Ulcers

Knowing what type of leg ulcer a patient has is critical when creating a tailored treatment plan. A venous leg ulcer, as mentioned above, is typically found around the inner ankle area and may be characterized by a wound that looks like a shallow red sore.

You may have either moderate or no pain when you have a venous leg ulcer, making it critical that you seek wound care before the condition worsens.

While an arterial ulcer also forms on the lower extremities, the cause is different, stemming primarily from poor overall circulation. In contrast to a venous leg ulcer, the wound of an arterial ulcer may have sharper, more defined edges, and the tissue may appear necrotic. There also tends to be more pain associated with an arterial ulcer.

Pain Management for Venous Ulcer Wounds

Depending on the level of pain you have with a venous leg ulcer, our team may recommend several different approaches.

This may include:

• Initial pain assessment
• Wound cleaning and dressing
• Application of topical analgesics
• Systemic analgesics
• Cold or heat therapy
• Compression therapy
• Elevation
• Emotional support
• Patient education

The MedCentris team takes a multidisciplinary approach to pain management. We believe in comprehensive pain management that ensures the best possible patient outcomes.

Contact Us To Discuss Treatment

Our local wound care teams are committed to delivering wound care best practices to heal even the most complex wounds in the shortest time possible. Schedule your first consultation today with MedCentris to get started.