What Does the Start of a Venous Ulcer Look Like?

Medically reviewed by Duc Le. MD, on August 27, 2024

Venous ulcers are a serious complication of venous insufficiency that can significantly impact a person's quality of life. Venous insufficiency is a chronic condition where damaged or weakened valves in the leg veins struggle to send blood from the legs back to the heart.

Recognizing the early signs of a venous ulcer is crucial for timely intervention and better outcomes. In this blog, we will outline changes to the look and feel of your legs, the progressive stages of a leg ulcer, and when medical attention is necessary to stop ulcer progression from becoming a medical crisis.

How Does Venous Insufficiency Lead to the Formation of a Venous Ulcer?

The progression from venous insufficiency to ulcer formation can occur over weeks to months. Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a long-term condition where weakened vein walls and damaged valves cause veins to stay filled with blood, especially when standing. Symptoms include leg discomfort, swelling, itching, or tingling in the legs, color changes around ankles, and thickening and hardening of the skin on the legs and ankles. Varicose veins are also a common symptom.

Here's how venous insufficiency can lead to a venous leg ulcer:

1. Valve Dysfunction: Damaged or weakened valves fail to prevent blood from flowing backward.
2. Blood Pooling: Blood flows backward and pools in the veins of the lower leg.
3. Increased Venous Pressure: Pooling blood increases pressure within the veins.
4. Fluid Leakage: High pressure from pooled blood forces fluid to leak out of the veins into surrounding tissues, causing swelling (edema).
5. Reduced Oxygen and Nutrient Delivery: Swelling and increased pressure hinder oxygen and nutrients from reaching the skin and tissues properly.

Early Signs and Symptoms of Venous Ulcer

The development of a venous ulcer often begins with subtle changes in the skin and underlying tissues. Being aware of these early indicators can help you seek medical attention promptly:

1. Skin Discoloration
• Reddish-brown patches
• Dark purple or bluish areas
• Brownish pigmentation
2. Skin Texture Changes
• Thickening or hardening of the skin (lipodermatosclerosis)
• Shiny, tight appearance
• Dry, itchy, or flaky skin
3. Swelling and Heaviness
• Ankle and lower leg swelling
• A feeling of heaviness or aching in the legs
• Swelling that worsens throughout the day
4. Itching and Tingling
• Persistent itching
• Tingling or burning sensations
• Increased sensitivity to touch

Progression to an Open Ulcer

As the condition advances, compromised skin becomes increasingly vulnerable to breakdown:

• Small cuts or scratches heal slowly
• Minor injuries may lead to persistent sores
• Spontaneous breakdown of skin

Appearance of the Early Ulcer

When an ulcer first forms, it typically has distinct characteristics:

• Shallow, irregularly shaped wound
• Red or pink wound base
• May be covered with yellow fibrous tissue
• Surrounding skin often appears inflamed or discolored

Due to poor circulation and high venous pressure, these ulcers heal slowly and are prone to infection.

Risk Factors for Developing a Venous Ulcer

Recognizing these risk factors can help individuals take preventive measures:

• History of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Varicose veins
• Obesity
• Prolonged standing or sitting
• Advanced age
• Family history of venous disease
• Previous leg injuries or surgeries

When to Seek Medical Attention for an Ulcer on the Leg or Ankle

Consult a vein specialist if you notice:

• Persistent skin changes or discoloration in the lower leg
• Non-healing wounds or sores
• Increasing leg pain or swelling
• Any open wound on the leg, regardless of size

Early intervention by a venous specialist can prevent the progression of venous insufficiency and reduce the risk of ulcer formation.

At Center for Vein Restoration (CVR), our vein specialists offer advanced, minimally invasive treatment options in a comfortable outpatient setting. If you're experiencing symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency—such as leg discomfort, cramping, swelling, itching, feelings of heaviness, restless legs, skin changes, ulcers, and more—don't wait.

Early treatment is vital to avoid serious complications, such as bulging veins, leg pain, slow-healing sores, skin changes, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) blood clots, and leg ulcers.

Why Choose CVR?

• Expert Care: Our board-certified specialists provide personalized care tailored to your specific needs.
• Fast & Minimally Invasive: Treatments are cutting-edge and completed in an hour or less, allowing you to return to normal activities immediately.
• Comprehensive Solutions: From itchy, unsightly spider veins to debilitating varicose veins and leg and ankle ulcers, we are equipped to manage and treat all vein conditions effectively.

Ready to Improve Your Vein Health?

Book an appointment today to receive the best in vein care. Call 240-965-3915 to speak to a Patient Services Representative or schedule your consultation online at a CVR near you today.

Prevention and Management for Leg Ulcers

While not all venous ulcers can be prevented, several strategies can reduce risk and manage early symptoms:

• Wear compression stockings as recommended by your CVR healthcare provider
• Elevate legs above heart level when resting
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Stay physically active to promote circulation
• Avoid prolonged standing or sitting
• Keep skin moisturized to prevent dryness and cracking

Venous Leg Ulcer Treatment Options

At Center for Vein Restoration, we offer comprehensive treatment for venous insufficiency and venous ulcers:

• Minimally invasive vein treatments
• Wound care and debridement
• Sclerotherapy for varicose and spider veins
• Lifestyle modification guidance

Our specialized approach addresses both the underlying venous issues and the wound itself, promoting faster healing and reducing recurrence risk.

Proactive Steps for Maintaining Vein Health: Early Recognition and Expert Care

Recognizing the early signs of a venous ulcer is crucial for preventing its development and ensuring prompt treatment. By understanding what to look for and when to seek medical attention, you can take proactive steps to maintain your vein health.

At Center for Vein Restoration, we're committed to providing expert care and education to help you prevent and manage venous conditions effectively. If you're experiencing any symptoms or have concerns about your vein health, don't hesitate to contact our team of specialists. Early intervention is critical to preventing the progression of venous disease and maintaining your quality of life.

Remember, healthy veins lead to healthy legs (and a happy life!), and we're here to support you every step of the way. CVR accepts many insurances, including Aetna, Amerigroup, Anthem, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Cigna, MultiPlan, Medicaid, Medicare, and more.

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