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Venous Ulcer On The Outside Of Leg, Getting Cleaned, Constantly In Pain. Any New Solution ?
I have a venous ulcer on the outside of my leg that's around 3" x 5" going on 3 years now. I go to a wound doctor every week which is cleaned and compression wrapped. I've had 3 skin graphs and still can't close it. I'm constantly in pain. I elevate my legs with a 45 degree angled foam. My question is there any new findings out there to help this. I know about the vascular surgery but I have no insurance and have paid cash for everything including compression stockings to wear when not having the compression boot. I'm a female late 50's and about 50lbs over weight
Wed, 5 Jun 2013
Hello Madam,
I understand the problem. The stagnation of venous blood return to heart due to the defective valves in the veins (which allows the reverse flow of blood downwards) leading to venous ulcer or Varicose ulcer. Due to the stagnation of venous blood there will be defective arterial supply - causing the varicose ulcer not to heal.
Elevation, Compression by elasto creepe bandage may give some relief.
You must do a Vascular doppler study of both the legs to assess the involvement of veins up to what level of lower limbs.
Without correcting the stagnation thereby increasing the arterial supply skin graft is not advised.
Previously stripping of the faulty veins were done.
Nowadays the commonly done procedure is the venous ligation
Other techniques are not of much use.
Treat the cause, then the arterial supply will be enhanced and then actively treat the ulcer even by skin graft (as the ulcer is large in size)
USG of abdomen to rule out other causes of venous obstruction is advised.
Avoid standing for a long time.
Best wishes
I understand the problem. The stagnation of venous blood return to heart due to the defective valves in the veins (which allows the reverse flow of blood downwards) leading to venous ulcer or Varicose ulcer. Due to the stagnation of venous blood there will be defective arterial supply - causing the varicose ulcer not to heal.
Elevation, Compression by elasto creepe bandage may give some relief.
You must do a Vascular doppler study of both the legs to assess the involvement of veins up to what level of lower limbs.
Without correcting the stagnation thereby increasing the arterial supply skin graft is not advised.
Previously stripping of the faulty veins were done.
Nowadays the commonly done procedure is the venous ligation
Other techniques are not of much use.
Treat the cause, then the arterial supply will be enhanced and then actively treat the ulcer even by skin graft (as the ulcer is large in size)
USG of abdomen to rule out other causes of venous obstruction is advised.
Avoid standing for a long time.
Best wishes
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