Treatment & Prevention of Venous leg ulcer
A leg ulcer is a long-lasting (chronic) sore that takes more than 4 to 6 weeks to heal. They usually develop on the inside of the leg, just above the ankle.
Venous
ulcers, also referred to as stasis, insufficiency or varicose ulcers, are the
result of malfunctioning
venous valves causing pressure in the veins to increase. These
typically occur along the medial or lateral distal (lower) leg.
Symptoms
of Venous leg ulcer
Symptoms of the early stage
of venous leg ulcer are
quite different from symptoms of ulcer that has been infected.
Major Symptoms of the early
stage of venous leg ulcer include:
·
Discoloration around the ulcer site
·
Hardened skin around the ulcer site.
·
Swollen ankles
·
Aching and swollen legs
·
Itching and pains around the ulcer site
·
Reddish and scaly skin
Treatment of Venous leg ulcer
The most common treatment is a compression bandage or stocking. The
pressure should improve the blood circulation in your leg, boosting your body’s
ability to heal the sore.
- You’ll probably be told to raise
your leg for set lengths of time as well. This also helps circulation.
Doctors typically recommend a half-hour at a time, 3 or 4 times a day.
- If your ulcer is infected by
bacteria, you’ll probably
be given antibiotics to
kill the infection. You might also be given a moist dressing to put over
the ulcer to help it heal more quickly.
- In some cases, your doctor
might recommend surgery to improve the circulation in your legs. This can
help your ulcer heal and could prevent similar problems later.
Most ulcers heal after 3 or
4 months of treatment. However, some can take longer, and some may
never clear up.
Prevention of Venous leg ulcer
There are a variety of ways
you can prevent venous skin ulcers through lifestyle
changes, diet or medication. You might:
- Quit smoking
- Lose weight
- Control chronic conditions such
as high blood pressure or diabetes
- Take aspirin to
prevent blood clots
- Reduce the amount of salt in
your diet
- Exercise regularly
- Wear compression stockings
- Keep your legs elevated when
you can
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