VENOUS ULCERS

Venous ulcerations are a complication of chronic venous disease, CVD. They can be present in up to 4% of patients in their 60s. Greater than 95% of these venous stasis ulcers can be healed with traditional conservative fashion, including compression stockings and leg elevation. This usually takes up to six months and requires the patient to be compliant with this therapy.

Conservative treatment alone carries a risk of 29% recurrence within the next several years, unless conservative treatment, i.e. compression stockings are maintained. Many patients find this difficult to do.

These venous stasis ulcers come from increased pressure is transmitted in the venous system as a result of incompetent venous valves. They usually present as ulcerations of varying sizes. Most commonly over the medial ankle, medial malleolus, or over the shin area, anterior tibial aspect. Symptoms patients often complain of a most commonly pain and skin changes. Other symptoms can include itching, burning, and infections.

With the advent of newer techniques, including endovenous ablation of the greater saphenous veins, treatment of these ulcers has been greatly improved. By closing off the greater saphenous vein pressure will to be taken off these ulcers and studies have shown accelerated healing of these ulcers.

In one study, the recurrence rate has been dropped to 9% as compared to 29% and also healing was achieved with 100% of patients in less than five months. These techniques of course, still require compression stockings and patients should be aware that once ulcerations are present on the legs is important to keep them away. Even after treatment. And the use of compression stockings, which most patients disliked, actually is very helpful in achieving ulcer closure and keeping them closed.

At Continental Medical we have treated many patients with such ulcers with excellent results.

Click here to learn about how to treat these, and other vein related problems.

The treatment of veins, whether for symptoms, cosmetics or resulting from complications, is a health care issue that needs the involvement of a highly experienced physician.