Venous Stasis Ulcers

The venous stasis ulcers health topic is part of the heart and vascular care medical specialty. UF Health’s board-certified and fellowship-trained vascular surgeons offer the most advanced, comprehensive approach to the treatment of venous stasis ulcers, also known as venous insufficiency ulcers.

The underlying cause of venous stasis ulcers is usually chronic venous insufficiency, which occurs when the valves in the leg veins fail to function properly, causing blood to flow backwards to pool in the lower leg. This can lead to inflammation, swelling and tissue damage, which ultimately results in the formation of a venous stasis ulcer.

Venous stasis ulcers typically appear as open, shallow sores with a reddish or yellowish base. The skin around the ulcer may be discolored or hardened, and there may be swelling, pain and a foul odor. The ulcers can be slow to heal and may recur, particularly if the underlying venous insufficiency is left untreated.

Treatment

Venous stasis ulcers are open sores that develop on the lower legs due to impaired blood flow caused by venous insufficiency. The primary goal of treatment is to improve blood circulation and promote wound healing. Some common treatments for venous stasis ulcers include:

Compression therapy is the cornerstone of treatment for venous stasis ulcers. It involves wearing compression stockings or bandages to help improve blood flow in the legs and reduce swelling. Compression can help to prevent the ulcer from getting worse and promote healing.

Proper wound care is essential for the treatment of venous stasis ulcers. The wound should be cleaned and dressed regularly to prevent infection and promote healing. Special dressings, such as hydrocolloid dressings or alginate dressings, may be recommended to help the wound heal.

In some cases, medications may be prescribed to help treat venous stasis ulcers. These may include antibiotics to prevent or treat infection, pain medication to manage pain, and topical creams or ointments to help the wound heal.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment in which a patient breathes in 100% oxygen while inside a pressurized chamber. HBOT is believed to help treat venous ulcers by increasing oxygen delivery to the affected area, promoting wound healing, reducing inflammation and decreasing the risk of infection.

Surgery may be necessary to treat venous stasis ulcers. Surgery may be used to remove damaged tissue or to repair or remove damaged veins.

Making lifestyle changes can help to prevent venous stasis ulcers from developing or getting worse. This may include maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, avoiding prolonged periods of standing or sitting, and elevating the legs when sitting or lying down.

It is important to work closely with our vascular experts to develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and condition. Treatment for venous stasis ulcers may take time, and it is important to be patient and consistent with treatment to achieve the best possible outcome.