Condition
Venous Ulcers.
Slow-healing wounds tied to long-term vein disease.
Venous ulcers are slow-healing wounds, usually near the inner ankle, caused by long-standing high pressure in the leg veins. They are the most advanced stage of chronic venous insufficiency and almost always heal once the underlying reflux is treated.
Common symptoms
- Open wound near the ankle
- Surrounding brown discoloration
- Weeping or drainage
- Pain that improves with elevation
- Recurrence after healing
What causes it
- Long-standing venous insufficiency
- Untreated varicose veins
- History of DVT
- Skin breakdown from chronic edema
Treatment options
- Closure of refluxing veins (RFA, EVLA, VenaSeal)
- Multilayer compression dressings
- Specialized wound care
- Long-term compression maintenance
When to see a specialist
Any non-healing leg wound—especially near the ankle—requires immediate evaluation. Most heal within weeks once the underlying veins are treated.
Most patients qualify for insurance coverage.
A 4-step path: symptoms · ultrasound · conservative therapy · approval.
Related conditions
Keep learning.
01
Varicose Veins
Twisted, enlarged veins—often a sign of underlying venous reflux.
02
Spider Veins
Small, web-like surface veins. Usually cosmetic, sometimes more.
03
Venous Insufficiency
When valves stop working, blood pools in the legs.
04
Leg Swelling
Persistent swelling can point to venous or lymphatic problems.
05
Leg Pain & Heaviness
That tired, aching feeling at the end of the day.