Venous Leg Ulcers

An ulcer is a break in the skin which fails to heal. There are many causes, but venous ulcers are the most common accounting for about 80% of all chronic leg ulcers.

They occur on the lower leg or foot and often after a minor injury.

Healing can take weeks or months or even years.

These ulcers are caused by high pressure in the venous system. This can be as a result of a previous DVT (deep venous thrombosis), venous obstruction or valve incompetence. A thorough history and examination following by several diagnostic tests can help diagnose the cause of the ulcer and stablish the best treatment plan.