Nonhealing Leg Wounds in Prosper, TX

Nonhealing leg wounds, otherwise known as venous ulcers, develop after the one-way valves in the veins stop working properly. This typically causes swelling in the veins, which leads to inflammation in the leg. Eventually, damage to the skin occurs and an ulcer develops. The good news is, at Vitality Vein Care, our dedicated team of vein specialists — Drs. Bradley Hart, and Aaron Roberts — can help men and women address their nonhealing leg wounds for long-lasting results. With this comprehensive treatment, we can help your wounds heal so you can get back to living your wonderful life. For more information, contact our Prosper, TX office today.

When a saphenous vein (the vessel that sends blood from the legs and to the heart) stops working properly, it causes venous reflux, or blood flowing in the opposite direction. This is when a venous ulcer, or nonhealing leg wound, forms. People who are prone to blood clots, deep vein thrombosis, perforator vein disease, deep vein reflux, or varicose veins are at greater risk of developing a nonhealing leg wound. Vitality Vein Care can determine your risk factors through a comprehensive evaluation.

Nonhealing leg wounds, or venous ulcers, can occur when the veins in your legs don't push blood back up to your heart as well as they should. Several risk factors may increase the likelihood of their development.

• Advanced age: Our blood vessels naturally lose some elasticity as we age, making older adults more susceptible to venous ulcers.
• Obesity: Carrying extra weight can put additional pressure on your veins, leading to poor circulation and the potential for venous ulcers.
• Lack of mobility: Sitting or standing for long periods, or having a sedentary lifestyle, can result in blood pooling in your legs, increasing your risk.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): A history of DVT can damage the valves in the veins of your legs, impacting blood flow and leading to ulcers.
• Varicose veins: A sign of weak or damaged vein valves and could increase your chances of developing venous ulcers.
• Smoking: Regular smoking harms your circulation, increasing the likelihood of these ulcers.
• Previous leg injuries or surgeries: These can damage your veins, increasing your risk.

Having one or more of these risk factors doesn't guarantee you'll develop venous ulcers, but they increase the probability. Regular check-ups with the skilled practitioners at Vitality Vein Care and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help manage these risks.

Symptoms of a venous ulcer can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Here are some common signs you may have a nonhealing leg wound:

• Pain or discomfort in the leg
• Redness and swelling around the ulcer
• Fever
• Discharge or odd smell coming from the ulcer

Anyone who experiences these symptoms should seek medical attention right away. Untreated symptoms can lead to a serious infection, increasing your risk of foot or leg amputation. The sooner you receive care, the sooner we can help the area heal.

Venous ulcers are treatable. In fact, the best form of treatment is prevention. With the help of one of our board-certified specialists, we can help you prevent ulcers by correcting your vein reflux. Before we being your treatment, we'll review your symptoms and complete an exam of your leg and study the veins through a duplex ultrasound. From there, we'll be able to develop a treatment plan. Typically, this first begins by getting control of the leg swelling and addressing the wound itself. Once the ulcer begins to heal, we can correct the underlying issue. Typically, this will involve either thermal endovenous therapy (radiofrequency ablation) or nonthermal endovenous therapy using VenaSeal™. After that, we can treat the perforator vein associated with your ulcer, typically by performing RF ablation, open ligation, or sclerotherapy.

Every venous ulcer, or nonhealing leg wound, treatment at Vitality Vein Care targets the affected vein(s) that are not functioning properly to reduce swelling, restore healthy blood flow, and allow the ulcer to heal naturally. Once normal blood flow has returned to the area, the ulcer will typically begin to heal on its own. After the ulcer has healed, we can devise a treatment plan for the affected vein(s). Depending on the treatment selected for your particular needs, some patients may have minor soreness, achiness, and discomfort in the treated leg(s) that generally lasts about a week or so. You may be required to wear a compression garment to improve blood flow and promote healing while preventing the treated vein(s) from refilling with blood. We will schedule you for a follow-up visit to check on your progress.

How are venous skin ulcers diagnosed?
The board-certified surgeons at Vitality Vein Care usually diagnose nonhealing leg wounds by asking questions about your health and medical history, then performing a physical exam. We may also take create a detailed record of how your veins are functioning, including their size and location. This allows us to determine the best treatment option for you.

Are there complications associated with nonhealing leg wounds?
The longer venous ulcers are left untreated, the greater the chance of developing secondary complications. It's common for venous ulcers to cause long-term redness and skin inflammation, but you may be at an increased risk for certain infections as well. Patients in Prosper, TX, should seek medical care as soon as they notice symptoms for prompt treatment.

Do venous ulcers heal on their own?
Some people try to heal venous ulcers by themselves and without medical assistance, but it's unlikely that nonhealing leg wounds will disappear on their own. This is why it's so important to seek care from a qualified professional. While treatment may be different for everyone, our practice has helped many people find relief — so they can return to their daily activities in comfort.

How often should I come in for follow-up visits for my nonhealing leg wounds?
Follow-up care is essential for monitoring the healing process of nonhealing leg wounds. The frequency of your visits will depend on the severity of the wound and the treatment plan set forth by the board-certified surgeons at Vitality Vein Care. Regular follow-ups help adjust treatment strategies as needed and catch any potential complications early.

Can lifestyle changes improve my chances of healing?
Absolutely, lifestyle changes can play a significant role in the healing process. While medical treatment is essential, adopting a healthier lifestyle can facilitate quicker healing and possibly prevent future occurrences. This could include changes like elevating the affected leg, wearing compression stockings, or improving your diet and exercise routine.

Are there any recommended resources for learning more about venous ulcers?
Yes, there are various resources available for patients who want to learn more about their condition. While our team at Vitality Vein Care provides comprehensive information, we can recommend trusted medical websites, support groups, and educational books. Knowledge is power when it comes to managing your condition, and we're here to guide you along the way.

If you notice pain or swelling in your leg, it could be a sign of something more serious. If left untreated, you could develop a venous ulcer, which can be painful and cause unsightly and unpleasant reactions on your skin. At Vitality Vein Care, our team of board-certified vein specialists is available to help take care of nonhealing leg wounds and the underlying causes. If addressed swiftly and properly, your chances of developing a venous ulcer again go down dramatically. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact Drs. Bradley Hart and Aaron Roberts at our Prosper, TX office.