Venous Ulcer

Venous Ulcer: Symptoms & Care

A venous ulcer is a shallow, often weepy wound, usually around the inner ankle, caused by poor vein circulation that lets blood and fluid pool in the lower leg. The key to healing is compression therapy, and at EDFC venous ulcers are treated by combining wound care with the right compression once circulation is confirmed safe.

What is a venous ulcer?

Veins return blood from the legs back to the heart, helped by valves. When those valves fail, blood pools in the lower leg, raising pressure in the tissues. Over time the skin around the ankle becomes discoloured, hardened, and fragile, and a shallow ulcer forms, often weepy and slow to heal. Venous ulcers are the most common type of leg ulcer and tend to recur if the underlying vein problem isn't managed.

Signs to watch for

• A shallow wound around the inner ankle
• Weepy or oozing fluid from the wound
• Swelling of the lower leg and ankle
• Brown or discoloured, hardened skin nearby
• Aching, heavy legs that ease when raised

When to see a doctor in India: a leg ulcer that isn't healing, or recurring ankle wounds with swelling, should be assessed, both to confirm it's venous and to check circulation before compression is used.

Why they happen

Failing vein valves (chronic venous insufficiency), often after varicose veins, previous clots, or prolonged standing, raise pressure in the lower-leg tissues. Swelling and skin changes follow, and the fragile skin breaks down into an ulcer.

How EDFC treats venous ulcers

• Confirming circulation first,  checking arterial flow before any compression.
• Compression therapy, the mainstay, once circulation is confirmed safe.
• Wound care, dressings and management via the venous ulcer service.
• Preventing recurrence, ongoing compression and leg care.

For full treatment, see the venous ulcer service page, or book a consultation.