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Venous Ulcers: Untreated Varicose Vein Complications

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Medically reviewed by Omonuwa Adah, MD, BSN, on August 25, 2025

Varicose veins and spider veins are often considered to be minor cosmetic concerns. But this is a mistaken, and even high-risk assumption. Why? Because beneath the surface, vein problems can signal a deeper issue, chronic venous insufficiency, that may lead to serious complications if left untreated. One of the most severe outcomes is the development of a venous ulcer, a painful, slow-healing wound that can dramatically impact your quality of life.

For this blog, we consulted Dr. Adah, vein expert and physician at Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) vein clinic in Hamilton, New Jersey

📍Schedule your consultation with Dr. Adah: Call 240-965-3915 to speak with a Patient Services Representative or BOOK ONLINE TODAY.

📅 To schedule a consultation at any of CVR’s other 120 vein clinics nationwide, click the link below ⬇️

At Center for Vein Restoration (CVR), the nation’s largest physician-led vein center, our board-certified vein specialists treat vein problems early—before they progress to debilitating conditions like venous ulcers.

What Causes Varicose Veins and Venous Ulcers?

Healthy veins have one-way valves that keep blood moving toward the heart. When these valves weaken or fail, blood pools in the legs, causing varicose veins, swollen, twisted veins visible under the skin. This condition, called venous insufficiency, increases pressure inside the veins, leading to inflammation and tissue damage.

Over time, that pressure and inflammation can break down the skin and underlying tissue, creating an open sore known as a venous ulcer. 

According to the Cleveland Clinic, venous ulcers typically form near the ankles, where blood pooling is most severe. These ankle sores take several weeks, or even months, to fully heal. Without prompt care, they can rapidly progress, increasing the risk of severe complications that, in some cases, lead to infection, sepsis (a life-threatening medical emergency), and limb loss. Timely and effective vein treatment can help you prevent these dire outcomes and lead to a full recovery.

Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

Venous ulcers don’t appear overnight. They are the result of ongoing vein disease. The Mayo Clinic warns that ulcers can begin slowly on the skin near varicose veins, mainly near the ankles. Early warning signs may include:

  • Leg pain or aching, especially after standing or sitting for long periods
  • Swelling in the lower legs or ankles
  • Itching or burning sensation on the skin
  • Skin discoloration, often brown or reddish, near the ankles
  • Hardened or thickened skin in affected areas

Once an ulcer develops, symptoms may escalate to:

  • An open wound that may ooze fluid or pus
  • Bad odor from the wound if infection is present
  • Persistent pain and tenderness

Left untreated, venous ulcers can become infected, leading to serious complications, including cellulitis, bone infection (osteomyelitis), or even limb-threatening gangrene. 

Seek Immediate Care from a Vein Specialist

If you’re experiencing any of these warning signs, including leg pain, swelling, skin changes, or an open wound, it’s critical to act quickly. Schedule a consultation with a Center for Vein Restoration vein specialist today. Our experts provide advanced, minimally invasive vein treatments to protect your health and restore your quality of life.

📞 Call Center for Vein Restoration at 240-965-3915 
📅 Or book online HERE

How Vein Experts Diagnose Venous Ulcers

Not all leg wounds are caused by vein disease. That’s why an accurate diagnosis is critical. At CVR, your vein doctor will:

  1. Perform a physical exam to assess the wound and surrounding skin.
  2. Rule out other causes such as arterial disease, infection, or skin cancer.
  3. Order a duplex ultrasound to evaluate blood flow and identify problem veins.

This comprehensive approach ensures that you get the right treatment for your specific condition.

Call 240-965-3915 to speak with a Patient Services Representative or schedule your consultation online at a CVR near you today.

Treatment: Healing the Ulcer and the Underlying Cause

Treating a venous ulcer involves two priorities: healing the wound and addressing the underlying vein issue that caused it.

At Center for Vein Restoration, our vein specialists use minimally invasive, outpatient procedures to address the faulty veins, including but not limited to:

  • Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) – Uses laser energy to seal the diseased vein.
  • Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) – Uses controlled heat to close the vein.
  • Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy – Injects a medicated solution to collapse problem veins.

These treatments are performed under local anesthesia, require no hospital stay, and allow you to walk immediately afterward.

For the ulcer itself, your treatment plan may include:

  • Special wound dressings to promote healing and prevent infection
  • Compression therapy to reduce swelling and improve blood flow
  • Regular wound care visits to monitor progress

If you’re experiencing any warning signs of venous ulcer, contact your nearest Center for Vein Restoration now for an urgent evaluation and expert vein treatment.

📍Need help finding a Center for Vein Restoration vein clinic near you? Call us at 240-965-3915.  

Why You Shouldn’t Delay Treatment

Venous ulcers are not only painful; they are a sign that your vein disease is in an advanced stage. The longer you wait, the harder they are to heal. Some ulcers can last for months or even years without proper vein treatment.

Early intervention by a Center for Vein Restoration vein expert can:

  • Shorten healing time
  • Reduce the risk of infection
  • Improve mobility and comfort
  • Lower the chance of the ulcer coming back

The landmark EVRA trial (Early Venous Reflux Ablation) reported by The New England Journal of Medicine showed that treating the ulcer and the underlying venous insufficiency (via early endovenous ablation + compression) led to faster healing and more time ulcer-free than deferred ablation (i.e., lower recurrence risk). 

The paper concludes that vein treatment = faster healing and more ulcer-free time:

“Early endovenous ablation of superficial venous reflux resulted in faster healing of venous leg ulcers and more time free from ulcers than deferred endovenous treatment.”

Don’t wait for symptoms to get worse! Schedule a consultation with a Center for Vein Restoration vein specialist today and protect your health before complications set in.

👉 Book your consultation with a CVR vein specialist today and discover how simple relief can be.

Preventing Venous Ulcers

While not all cases are preventable, especially if you have a family history of vein disease, certain lifestyle changes can help:

  • Stay active: Walking improves calf muscle pump function, aiding circulation.
  • Elevate your legs when resting to reduce swelling.
  • Maintain a healthy weight to ease pressure on your leg veins.
  • Avoid prolonged sitting or standing; take breaks to move around.
  • Wear compression stockings if recommended by your vein doctor.

For those already showing signs of varicose veins or spider veins, early evaluation at a reputable vein center like Center for Vein Restoration is key to preventing progression to venous ulcers.

Why Choose Center for Vein Restoration

As the nation’s largest physician-led vein center, CVR brings together more than 80 board-certified vein specialists across 120+ locations in the U.S. Our doctors are leaders in the field, many of whom have published in peer-reviewed journals, and are committed to evidence-based, patient-centered care.

Schedule a consultation with a CVR vein specialist and take the first step toward healing and preventing future complications.

We accept most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, and offer affordable options for cosmetic treatments. Our 98 percent patient satisfaction rate speaks to the quality and consistency of our care.

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