Venous Ulcer Treatment in Phoenix, Arizona
Venous Ulcers are a common type of skin ulcer. Generally, occurs just above the ankle on the legs. These ulcers come about as a result of venous insufficiency and increased pressure of blood in the veins due to the veins “incompetence” and inability to return the blood to the heart.
Patients who are suffering from venous ulcers are encouraged to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. With many years of extensive vascular experience serving patients in Phoenix, Arizona, the vascular surgeons in Arizona at Western Vascular Institute specialize in diagnosing & treating venous ulcer. They will take the time to answer any questions that you may have and help discover the best treatment plan for you and your lifestyle. For more information, call our vein and vascular clinic in Phoenix at (480) 668-5000 & schedule an appointment with one of our vascular surgeons, at one of our vein and vascular centers in Payson, Mesa and Phoenix, Arizona.
What Are the Risk Factors of Venous Ulcers?
They are caused by problems with the veins in the legs that prevent proper blood flow back to the heart, leading to pooling of blood and increased pressure in the veins. Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing venous ulcers, including:
- Age
- Obesity
- Previous leg injury
- DVT
- Phlebitis
What Are the Symptoms of Venous Ulcers?
All of the above risk factors can have a large impact on the circulatory system. This system may even be so damaged that a simple cut or scrape could potentially lead to venous ulcers, which are typically characterized by:
- An unpleasant odor
- Pain
- Spontaneous bleeding
- Oozing of the wound
What Are the Causes of Venous Ulcers?
There are several factors that can increase the risk, Cleveland clinic mentioned several things that can raise your risk, here are a few:
- Venous incompetence
- Immobility
- Ineffective calf muscle to pump the blood upwards
- Venous insufficiency
- Phlebitis
How Are Venous Ulcers Diagnosed?
Physical examination of the lower extremities. Duplex color Ultrasound, a ankle-brachial-index test, and even venography may be helpful if the diagnosis is unclear.
What Are the Available Venous Ulcer Treatment Options?
There are several available treatment options for venous ulcers, and the choice of treatment depends on the severity of the ulcer, the patient’s overall health, and the underlying cause of the ulcer. Here are some common treatment options:
- Compression therapy: use of compression stockings
- Leg elevation to minimize edema: elevate at least 3 times daily for a period of 30 minutes
- Frequent dressing changes, &clean sterile dressings to keep outside infection from the open ulcer wound.
Antibiotics/Medication management - Surgery to treat venous reflux and prevent recurrence of ulcerations. Surgical treatment for venous insufficiency include:
- Saphenous vein ablation
- Phlebectomy
- Sclerotherapy
- Ablating the perforator veins.
Schedule a Venous Ulcer Treatment in Phoenix, AZ
If you have been experiencing symptoms of venous ulcer it is important that you schedule an appointment with one of our highly-trained vein disease specialists in Phoenix. They will diagnose your symptoms and discover the best treatment option for you. For more information about our Vein Center in Phoenix, AZ, please call (480) 668-5000 to schedule your appointment today.