About leg ulcers

Leg ulcers are unhealed sores or open wounds on the legs. Without treatment, these types of ulcers can keep recurring.

This condition is most commonly caused by poor circulation, though it may be attributed to a variety of ailments.

These wounds are also more common in women, but they can affect both men and women of any age. If they’re treated early, leg ulcers can improve without causing any further complications.

The odds of developing leg ulcers increase with age, and they’re often hereditary — in other words, if your parents had leg ulcers, you’re more likely to develop them.

Some other causes of leg ulcers are:

Varicose veins, which are swollen and visible veins, are frequently associated with leg ulcers. And often, leg ulcers are a complication of untreated varicose veins. However, the two conditions aren’t always found together.

The symptoms of leg ulcers can vary depending on their exact cause.

Ulcers are often painful. But sometimes ulcers present with no pain. This is due to nerve damage from unmanaged diabetes. A lack of pain is one reason why many people misdiagnose themselves and fail to seek medical treatment.

It’s important to make an appointment with your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:

  • open sores
  • pus in the affected area
  • pain in the affected area
  • increasing wound size
  • leg swelling
  • enlarged veins
  • generalized pain or heaviness in the legs

Your doctor will perform a physical examination combined with testing to diagnose your leg ulcers and determine their exact cause.

Often times, your doctor will be able to differentiate between a leg ulcer and regular sore just by looking at it. They’ll likely order a variety of tests to determine the right treatment plan, including:

Treating leg ulcers is crucial to relieve pain, prevent infection, and to stop the wound from growing in size.

If pus is draining from your ulcer, you likely have an infection. Infections are treated with antibiotics to avoid further complications.

Compression bandages are also used to help ease swelling, close the wound, and prevent infection. Your doctor may also prescribe an ointment to apply to the ulcer.

In severe cases, your doctor may order orthotics or braces to help you walk better while preventing future ulcers. Pentoxifylline may be prescribed to improve the circulation in your legs.

Your doctor may also recommend aspirin to prevent blood clots in the legs, but it’s important that you don’t start any medication without first consulting your doctor.

Along with medical treatment, your doctor may recommend home remedies to ease discomfort and assist in healing.

First, it’s important to keep any wounds clean to prevent infection. Wash the wound with mild soap and water daily. Also, change any bandages and dressings at least once daily to keep the area dry, so it can heal.

Your doctor will give you a specific routine to follow.

Other home remedies that may help with healing include:

  • wearing good walking shoes
  • getting regular, mild to moderate exercise
  • elevating your legs during rest periods

Never use home or alternative methods in lieu of traditional medical treatment without checking with your doctor. These remedies may very well be beneficial, but they can also aggravate the condition depending on the preparation and stage of your ulcers.

Since poor circulation is the most common cause of leg ulcers, it makes sense to control conditions that can cause poor circulation, like:

Staying well with a healthy diet and regular exercise can reduce your weight, thereby decreasing your risk of leg ulcers. Decreasing your sodium intake is also important. You can do this by:

  • using fresh foods, not packaged
  • reading nutrition labels and checking for sodium content

Also, smoking increases your risk for ulcers. If you smoke, seek help to quit.

In most cases, treatment is effective in easing the symptoms of leg ulcers. If they’re not treated in a timely fashion, it’s possible that a leg ulcer can become infected.

In severe cases, infection can spread to the bone. It’s essential to see your doctor as soon as you notice symptoms.