Medically reviewed by Gregory D. Ruth, MD, DABVLM, RPVI, RVT, on April 11, 2025
If you have a persistent sore on your lower leg that isn’t healing, it may be a sign of a venous ulcer—a condition often linked to underlying vein disease—and they can be particularly stubborn and difficult to heal.
The good news is that, with early and proper treatment, venous ulcers can heal more quickly and completely. The key is recognizing the signs and seeking help from a vein specialist promptly.
Healing starts with answers. Venous ulcers are treatable, and the experts at Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) are here to help. CVR offers advanced, minimally invasive outpatient treatments that get real results. Don’t wait—get the care you need now!
To learn more about the fastest way to heal a venous ulcer, we consulted with board-certified vein expert Dr. Gregory Ruth. He is the lead vein physician at CVR vein clinic locations in Hackensack, New Jersey, and North Bergen, New Jersey.
✅To schedule a consultation with Dr. Ruth in Hackensack, New Jersey, CLICK HERE.
✅To schedule a consultation with Dr. Ruth in North Bergen, New Jersey, CLICK HERE.
✅Don’t live near Hackensack or North Bergen, New Jersey? Call 240-965-3915 to speak to a helpful Patient Services Representative or schedule your consultation online at one of 110+ CVR vein clinics near you.
Your veins have tiny one-way valves that help push blood back to your heart. But when these valves become weak or damaged—because of aging, obesity, a previous blood clot, or even a family history—blood starts to pool in your lower legs.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the extra pressure stretches the veins, blocking oxygen and nutrients from reaching the skin. Without these building blocks, your skin breaks down, and a wound forms.
If you’re dealing with a leg wound that fits this description—or noticing skin changes, swelling, or aching in your legs—it’s a clear sign that you might be experiencing complications of vein disease (chronic venous insufficiency).
At CVR, we specialize in identifying and treating the root causes of venous disease before it leads to serious complications, such as ulcers. Don’t wait for the pain and sores to get worse. Please schedule a consultation with one of our expert vein specialists and take the first step toward healing.
Questions? Call 240-965-3915 to speak with a CVR Patient Services Representative or schedule your consultation online at a CVR near you today.
Venous ulcers don’t just happen overnight; they are the result of chronic, untreated vein problems. You may notice early warning signs first, including:
If the ulcer forms, it may appear as a shallow sore with a red base and irregular edges. The skin around it can be shiny, warm, or tight. If the wound smells bad or leaks pus, it may be an indication of an infection, and you should consult a doctor immediately.
A large study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that treating varicose veins early—before a leg ulcer has fully healed—can significantly speed up healing and reduce the chance of the ulcer coming back. Patients who received early endovenous ablation, a minimally invasive vein treatment, healed faster and stayed ulcer-free longer than those who delayed treatment.
This research demonstrates that addressing the root cause of vein problems early leads to more favorable outcomes for individuals with venous ulcers
Often, healing a venous ulcer involves a combination of at-home care and medical treatment. Let’s break it down:
1. See a Vein Specialist Early
The sooner you get expert care for your venous ulcer, the better. A vascular specialist can examine the ulcer and recommend a treatment plan. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, early treatment helps prevent infection and complications. For the best results, see a Center for Vein Restoration vascular specialist as soon as you notice these symptoms.
2. Clean and Bandage the Wound Daily
Keeping the ulcer clean is essential. Use the cleansing method recommended by your vein doctor—typically saline or a gentle soap—and apply fresh bandages daily. This helps prevent infection and keeps the wound moist, which encourages healing. Avoid letting healthy skin around the ulcer get too wet, as this can cause the wound to grow.
3. Wear Compression Stockings
Compression socks play a crucial role in the healing of a venous ulcer. It helps your veins push blood back up toward the heart, reducing pressure and swelling in your legs. Medical compression stockings apply gentle pressure to the affected area and have been shown to speed healing in many studies.
4. Elevate Your Legs
Whenever possible, raise your legs above your heart—on pillows, for example. Elevating your legs helps blood flow out of the veins and back to your heart, reducing swelling and pain. Try doing this several times a day for 15 to 30 minutes at a time.
5. Stay Active (Gently)
Even gentle movements, such as walking or leg lifts, help improve circulation. The Cleveland Clinic recommends engaging in daily low-impact activities to boost blood flow
and support healing. If you sit or stand for long periods, take breaks to move around.
6. Treat the Root Cause
Treating the ulcer alone isn’t enough. You need to address the underlying cause of the problem, which is typically chronic venous insufficiency. Today’s vein treatment options are minimally invasive and often done in a doctor’s office. Options include:
7. Make Lifestyle Changes
You can support healing and prevent ulcers from coming back with some critical health changes:
If left untreated, a venous ulcer can lead to serious problems. Infection is the most common risk. In severe cases, the infection can spread to the bone or blood, causing life-threatening complications like sepsis. According to NIH MedlinePlus, long-term ulcers can also lead to permanent skin damage or even cancer in rare cases.
That’s why it’s essential to act fast and follow your treatment plan closely.
From swelling to skin sores, your symptoms matter. Vein disease often starts small but can lead to big problems if left untreated. Center for Vein Restoration offers advanced, minimally invasive treatments that get real results. Call 240-965-3915 to schedule with a Patient Services Representative or click the link below to begin the healing process:
Yes—especially if you’ve had one before. According to the NHS, once a venous ulcer has healed, it can recur if the underlying vein disease remains untreated. Ongoing care is key.
Preventive steps include:
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1. What does it mean if I have a sore on my leg that won’t heal?
A slow-healing sore on your lower leg, especially near the ankle, may be a sign of a venous ulcer. These wounds often result from underlying vein disease and require medical treatment to heal properly and avoid complications.
2. Why do venous ulcers develop in the first place?
Venous ulcers form when the valves in your leg veins stop working correctly. This leads to blood pooling in your lower legs, causing pressure, swelling, and eventually skin breakdown. The result is a painful, hard-to-heal sore.
3. What are the early warning signs of a venous ulcer?
Before an ulcer appears, you might notice leg swelling, skin discoloration (red, purple, or brown), itching, and a heavy or aching feeling in the legs. These symptoms often point to chronic venous insufficiency, the root cause of venous ulcers.
4. How are venous ulcers treated, and what’s the fastest way to heal them?
Healing requires a combination of wound care and treatment of the underlying vein disease. This includes daily cleaning and dressing changes, wearing compression stockings, elevating your legs, staying active, and managing vein disease through minimally invasive procedures such as ablation or sclerotherapy.
5. What should I do if my leg ulcer isn’t getting better?
If your sore isn’t healing or is showing signs of infection—such as odor, pus, or increasing pain—it’s critical to see a vein specialist right away. Delaying care can lead to serious complications; however, early treatment at America’s largest physician-led vein center—Center for Vein Restoration — can help improve your healing time and overall outcome.
Varicose Veins require treatment to resolve. With so many treatment options out there and claims made by non-medical companies it is hard to know what treatment is best. We put together a complete guide to understanding varicose veins treatment options.
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