Varicose Ulcer
Those who suffer venous veins often report a wound occurring in the ankle or calf displaying a yellowish crust with a jagged border. Sometimes a discharge is visible. These are ulcers which are formed due to inadequate blood flow.
How will you know?
If an ulcer is visible on your legs, go to the doctor without delay. Your doctor will do a complete physical exam and measure the blood pressure of your ankles besides your hands. The doctor may ask you to go in for more tests to help make the correct diagnosis. One of them is the ankle-brachial index test. Your arms and ankles are covered with pressure cuffs. Medical personnel measure the blood pressure and hear the blood flow with the help of Doppler which is an ultrasound device held in hand. This helps the doctor to decide if the blood flow in your lower legs and feet have decreased. An ultrasound device can also be used to read the pressure at various points in your arms and legs. This device helps the doctor to know if the patient is suffering from blockages and evaluate the flow of blood in the arteries of the patient’s lower leg.
How is a leg ulcer worked up?
Usually, the culture of the wound is done to see if antibiotics are necessary. If required, the patient may be asked to go for X- rays, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or even a bone scan to know if the infection had spread to the bones to assess the need for surgery to get rid of the infection.
How will it be treated?
Treatment may include antibiotics, wound dressing changes, and closure of the vericose veins responsible for the ulcer with either surgery, endovenous laser or radiofrequency ablation, ambulator phlebectomy or sclerotherapy.
Manhattan Vein Center
At Downtown Vein Physicians we are focused on treating disorders of the venous system.….. Read More
Manhattan Vein Center
80 Maiden Ln #905B New York, NY 10038 (Maiden Lane & Gold Street)
(212) 386-7888
(212) 386-7888