Medically reviewed by Theresa M. Soto, MD, FACS, RPVI, DABVLM, on August 13, 2025
A wound on your leg that will not heal can be more than frustrating; it can be frightening, too. If you’ve noticed a sore near your ankle that’s slow to close or getting worse over time, it might be a sign of a venous stasis ulcer, a type of leg wound caused by poor circulation.
Fortunately, with proper diagnosis and treatment, these ulcers can heal.
For information about what venous stasis ulcers are, what causes them, and what you can do to treat them and prevent them from coming back, we consulted Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) vein expert, Dr. Theresa Soto. She is the lead physician at CVR vein clinics in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and Fairfax, Virginia.
📅To schedule an appointment with Dr. Soto in Fredericksburg, VA, CLICK HERE
📅To schedule an appointment with Dr. Soto in Fairfax, VA, CLICK HERE
📅To schedule an appointment at any of CVR’s 120+ vein clinics nationwide, CLICK HERE
A venous stasis ulcer is an open sore that usually forms on the lower leg, often just above the ankle. These ulcers are a sign of advanced chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a condition where the valves in the leg veins allow backflow of blood, resulting in congestion in the legs. This congestion may result in symptoms of swelling, heaviness, and skin changes.
Healthy veins have one-way valves that keep blood moving upward against gravity. When these valves become weak or damaged, blood flows backward and pools in the lower legs. According to Mount Sinai, the buildup of pressure and fluid causes damage to the skin and surrounding tissue, leading to skin changes called stasis dermatitis and, in some cases, stasis ulceration.
According to the Mayo Clinic, venous stasis ulcers are more common in adults over age 50 and people with a history of varicose veins, blood clots, or leg injuries. Other risk factors include:
If you already have spider veins, varicose veins, or other symptoms of vein disease, such as leg pain and heaviness, you may be at greater risk for developing a venous ulcer. Mayo Clinic urges people with an area of skin discoloration (typically deep red, purple, or brown) in the lower calf or ankle(s) to seek the care of a healthcare professional immediately, as this may be a sign of impending ulceration.
If you’re noticing symptoms like varicose veins, spider veins, leg swelling, or skin discoloration near your ankles, don’t wait for a wound to appear. Early treatment can prevent ulcers from forming and related complications like pain and infection.
To book an appointment:
📞 Call Center for Vein Restoration at 240-965-3915
📅 Or book online HERE
Venous stasis ulcers typically appear near the inner ankle (medial malleolus) but can also form on the outer ankle. Signs of a venous ulcer include:
If the ulcer becomes infected, it might start to smell unpleasant, and you may notice thick or discolored fluid draining from the wound.
The Cleveland Clinic is clear: Venous ulcers don’t heal on their own. The longer you live with them, the greater the likelihood of permanent tissue damage. The longer the wound is open, the higher the risk of infection, further skin breakdown, and serious complications like cellulitis, osteomyelitis (bone infection), or limb-threatening gangrene. At worst, amputation may be a result of an untreated chronic ulcer with severe infection.
According to the Center for Vascular Medicine:
“Early detection of circulation problems, skin changes, or minor wounds can prevent them from becoming severe ulcers. Depending on your condition, your doctor might recommend specific treatments, such as compression therapy for venous insufficiency or medications to improve blood flow. Taking these preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of developing leg ulcers and maintain better overall leg health.”
A small sore can turn into a significant problem without proper care. The vein specialists at Center for Vein Restoration are experts in diagnosing and treating venous insufficiency before it leads to long-term harm.
👉 Find a CVR clinic near you HERE
📅Schedule an appointment at any of CVR’s 120+ vein centers HERE
A CVR vein doctor will perform a physical exam and a duplex ultrasound to assess how well your veins are moving blood. This non-invasive test helps identify areas of reflux (backward flow), blockages, or damaged valves.
Once diagnosed, your CVR vein specialist can develop a customized vein treatment plan.
1. Compression Therapy
Compression is the cornerstone of venous ulcer treatment. By applying controlled pressure, compression stockings or bandages help move fluid out of the leg, reduce swelling, and improve blood flow.
Your vein center may recommend:
At Center for Vein Restoration, we often recommend high-quality options from medi® compression for their comfort, durability, and clinical effectiveness.
2. Wound Care and Debridement
To encourage healing, the wound needs to be kept clean and moist. This may involve:
Debridement can be done manually by your provider or with special creams that break down damaged tissue.
3. Infection Management
Not all venous ulcers are infected, but if signs of infection are present, such as increased redness, warmth, swelling, or pus, oral or topical antibiotics may be prescribed. It isimportant not to overuse antibiotics, as many ulcers appear infected due to dead tissue, not bacteria.
4. Minimally Invasive Vein Treatment
To heal the ulcer and prevent it from coming back, your vein expert must treat the source, that is, venous insufficiency.
Vein treatments at Center for Vein Restoration are minimally invasive and performed in an outpatient setting. Options include:
These treatments improve circulation, relieve symptoms, and help the skin heal.
5. Consultation for evaluation of the veins in the pelvis
Through our collaboration with Center for Vascular Medicine, your CVR physician will complete the evaluation of advanced skin changes and/or ulceration with a detailed examination of the blood flow as it returns to the veins of the pelvis. Often there is previous trauma or damage that can be corrected to further improve the circulation.
Venous ulcers can recur if the underlying cause isn’t addressed. Following your vein specialist’s guidance is key to long-term healing. This includes:
With proper care, most venous ulcers will heal—and stay healed.
If you have a wound on your leg that’s not healing, especially near your ankle, don’t wait. Venous ulcers are a sign that your circulation needs medical attention. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can improve your quality of life and prevent complications.
At Center for Vein Restoration, our board-certified vein doctors specialize in diagnosing and treating vein disease. We offer proven, minimally invasive treatments with high patient satisfaction (98% in fact!) and shorter recovery times.
📲 Call 240-965-3915 to speak with a Patient Services Representative, or
👉 Schedule your consultation at Center for Vein Restoration today and take control of your leg health.
CVR accepts many insurances, including Aetna, Amerigroup, Anthem, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Cigna, MultiPlan, Medicaid, Medicare, and more.
About Vein Disease
Spider Veins
Varicose Veins
Vein Disease Treatments
Treating Spider Veins
Treating Varicose Veins
About Us
Patient Resources
Physician Resources