Inadequate blood supply to the arteries or insufficient venous return to the legs may cause leg ulcers. Poor treatment or improper diagnosis can severely impact the quality of life. The team of vascular physicians at Dr. Smile Medical Group can evaluate and treat your leg ulcers.

Venous ulcers, also known as “venous skin ulcers,” are conditions of the vascular system that can affect the skin and other body methods in addition to causing blood flow complications. A venous ulcer occurs as a wound or open sore on the skin when the leg veins fail to carry blood back to the heart, and venous insufficiency or venous obstruction may cause it.

Venous leg ulcers can cause pain, odor, pus, pressure pain, and redness. These ulcers are usually located above the ankle and below the calf. The skin in the affected area may initially appear dark brown, red, or purple and feel thickened, dry, and itchy. If left unattended, they will eventually develop into ulcers.