Venous Ulcer FAQs
What is a venous ulcer?
A venous ulcer is an open sore on the lower leg or ankle caused by poor circulation, usually from chronic venous insufficiency, which allows blood to pool and pressure to build in the leg veins.
What causes venous ulcers?
Venous ulcers are caused by damaged vein valves that let blood flow backward and pool in the lower leg. The resulting pressure damages the skin over time, eventually causing it to break down into an open wound.
How long does it take a venous ulcer to heal?
Healing time varies with wound size and severity of the underlying venous insufficiency, but many venous ulcers take several weeks to months to close, and can stall indefinitely if the underlying vein disease is not treated.
Can a venous ulcer heal without vein treatment?
Local wound care alone can sometimes close a venous ulcer, but without correcting the underlying venous reflux, recurrence is common because the pressure that caused the original wound is still present.
What is the difference between a venous ulcer and a diabetic ulcer?
Venous ulcers are caused by poor vein circulation and typically appear near the ankle, while diabetic ulcers result from nerve damage and poor arterial circulation and usually occur on the feet. Diagnosis with ultrasound helps distinguish between the two.
Does compression therapy help venous ulcers?
Yes. Compression hose reduce venous pressure and support circulation, helping the wound heal and, once healed, helping prevent the ulcer from returning.
What is debridement and why is it needed?
Debridement is a short in-office procedure that removes dead or damaged tissue from a wound so that healthy tissue can regenerate and the ulcer can heal properly.
Will I need surgery for a venous ulcer?
Not always. Many ulcers respond to local wound care and compression. For recurring ulcers, minimally invasive procedures like endovenous ablation or ambulatory phlebectomy — not traditional surgery — are used to close or remove the diseased vein.
Is venous ulcer treatment covered by insurance?
Because venous ulcers are a medically necessary condition, treatment is often covered by insurance and Medicare, unlike purely cosmetic vein procedures.
How can I prevent a venous ulcer from coming back?
The most reliable way to prevent recurrence is to treat the underlying diseased vein with a procedure like endovenous ablation, combined with ongoing compression therapy and leg elevation.