Venous Ulcers Specialist

Cardiac Center of Texas Our Services Venous Ulcers

Cardiac Center of Texas

Varicose Vein Specialists & Cardiology located in McKinney, TX

Venous ulcers can occur as a side effect of varicose veins. They may result in serious complications, such as infections and gangrene if not treated properly. At Cardiac Center of Texas in McKinney, Texas, board-certified physicians Muhammad Khan, MD, and Ambreen Ashfaque, MD, deliver effective treatments for venous ulcers so you find relief and prevent their recurrence. Call the North Texas-based practice today to schedule an appointment or request one using the online tool.

Venous Ulcers Q & A

What are venous ulcers?

Venous ulcers appear on the legs as open wounds. They tend to heal extremely slowly and recur, even when seemingly healed with proper wound care. Venous ulcers occur due to circulation issues that compromise blood flow in the legs.

What are the symptoms of venous ulcers?

Venous ulcers are open sores. They can cause:

  • Pain
  • Pus formation
  • Tenderness
  • Redness
  • Odor

If you have venous ulcers, it’s imperative you seek medical treatment from professionals such as those at Cardiac Center of Texas.

What causes venous ulcers?

A primary cause of venous ulcers is chronic venous insufficiency. This occurs when your veins’ valves falter and are unable to efficiently send blood back to the heart. Blood pools and causes tender varicose veins.

You’re at risk of venous insufficiency if you have:

  • High blood pressure in the legs due to sitting or standing for long periods
  • A sedentary lifestyle
  • A blood clot in a deep vein
  • Swelling and inflammation of the legs

People who are overweight, pregnant, smokers, or have experienced an injury to the legs are also at risk. Diabetes, kidney failure, and circulation problems also can contribute to venous ulcers.

Why do venous ulcers develop?

When you have severe varicose veins and leg swelling, the veins can push through the skin. They break open and an open wound may develop. This can be problematic because veins carry deoxygenated blood – the blood that is returning to the heart to be rejuvenated. 

This blood contains less oxygen and blood-clotting factors to help heal the wounds, so the ulcers can take weeks or longer to heal or might not heal at all. Professional care is often necessary to help resolve these wounds and prevent them from recurring in the future.

How are venous ulcers treated?

Immediate treatment for venous ulcers requires proper cleaning and application of antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection. You may benefit from conservative treatments such as elevating your legs whenever you sit or lie down and wearing compression stockings.

Venous ulcers that recur despite care or that just won’t heal may require skin grafting or vein surgery. This helps heal the wound and prevent the ulcers from returning.

To have your venous ulcers diagnosed and adequately treated, call Cardiac Center of Texas or schedule your appointment using the online tool.

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