Venous leg ulcers are open wounds, usually near the ankle, that heal slowly because of high pressure in the leg veins caused by venous insufficiency. Venous leg ulcer treatment in Amman is based on wound care and compression once the arteries have been checked, then treating the faulty veins to lower the chance of the ulcer coming back.
Note: If redness spreads quickly around the wound, or you have strong heat, a fever, a bad smell or increasing pain, seek urgent medical care or go to the emergency department.
Symptoms
You may notice:
- An open wound on the lower leg, often above the inner ankle.
- Swelling of the leg and ankle.
- Brown, hardened skin around the wound.
- Itching, pain or heaviness in the leg.
- Discharge from the wound.
- Visible varicose veins on the same leg.
Causes
A venous ulcer is caused by chronic venous insufficiency: pressure builds up in the veins, damaging the skin and making it fragile. Linked factors include:
- Varicose veins and weak vein valves.
- A previous deep vein clot.
- Being overweight and moving little.
- A weak calf muscle or a stiff ankle.
- A minor injury to the skin of a leg affected by venous insufficiency.
Diagnosis
Your doctor examines the wound and the leg and asks about your health history, because some leg wounds are caused by poor arteries, diabetes or other conditions, and each needs different care.
Your doctor may request a Doppler ultrasound of the veins and a check of the arterial circulation in the leg before compression is used. More tests may be requested if the wound does not heal as expected.
Treatment options
We start with the simplest steps, treating both the wound and its cause:
Healing varies from patient to patient. After the ulcer heals, continuing compression and treating the veins can help lower the chance of it coming back.
- Wound care: cleaning and covering the wound with a suitable dressing chosen by the medical team.
- Raising the leg when resting, regular walking and ankle exercises.
- Compression with medical bandages or stockings: the cornerstone of venous ulcer care, used once the arteries have been checked.
- Treating faulty surface veins with non-surgical methods such as laser, radiofrequency or injections, to support healing and lower the chance of recurrence.
- Vein surgery or other procedures in selected cases.
What to expect on the day and after
Treating a venous ulcer takes patience and regular visits to change dressings and check healing. If you need a vein procedure, it is usually done under local anaesthetic.
- Keep the dressing clean and dry as the team explains.
- Use compression as your doctor advises.
- Attend your appointments regularly so the wound can be checked.
- Many ulcers heal gradually; how long it takes depends on your case.
- After healing, look after the skin of your leg and keep up compression to protect it.
When to book an appointment
- A wound on the lower leg that will not heal.
- Darkening or hardening of the skin near the ankle, which can come before an ulcer.
- More pain, discharge or a growing wound.
- An ulcer that has come back after healing.
- If you have diabetes and a wound on your leg or foot, see a doctor without delay.