COnditions we treat

What are leg wounds?

Leg wounds, or leg ulcers, are open sores that develop on the legs or feet. While some may heal on their own, healing can be delayed, and others may not heal without medical intervention, particularly in individuals with diabetes, venous diseases, or other conditions.

Leg ulcers often appear between the knees and ankles and typically take more than two weeks to heal despite treatment. They may ooze pus or fluid. If a wound does not heal after three months of treatment, it is considered a chronic condition.

What are the risk factors for leg wounds? Leg wounds affect about 4% of individuals ov

Leg wounds affect about 4% of individuals over the age of 65. Other risk factors include:

• Chronic conditions: Diabetes, high blood pressure, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic venous insufficiency, or peripheral artery disease (PAD).
• Lifestyle factors: Obesity, smoking, lack of exercise.
• Medical history: Family history of vein problems, hip or knee replacement, traumatic injuries, or blood clots.
• Other factors: Pregnancy, vasculitis (inflamed blood vessels), or varicose veins.

Women are twice as likely as men to develop leg ulcers.

What are the symptoms of leg or foot wounds?

Symptoms of leg or foot wounds include:

• Wounds that are red, brown, blue, purple, yellow, or mixed colors.
• Non-healing wounds emitting discharge or pus.
• Itchy skin.
• Hard lumps on the skin.
• Leg pain after standing.
• Swelling in the lower legs.

Wounds that don’t heal after two weeks of treatment should be evaluated by a specialist as soon as possible.

How are leg wounds diagnosed?

Diagnosing leg wounds and their causes involves:

• A discussion about your medical history and symptoms.
• A physical exam and vital signs check.
• Diagnostic tests, including:
• Ankle-Brachial Index Testing: Assesses blood flow to the legs.
• Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to evaluate circulation and detect vascular abnormalities.
• Biopsy: Examines tissue for underlying conditions.

How are leg wounds treated?

Texas Cardiac and Vascular Specialists offers comprehensive treatment options for leg wounds and their underlying causes, including:

• Support Hose:
• Support hose offer a simple solution for many patients with varicose veins. Compression stockings improve blood flow, reduce symptoms, and in some cases, may be all that’s needed to manage the condition effectively.
• Endo venous Laser Ablation (EVLA):
• A laser fiber is inserted into the diseased vein, delivering heat to seal it shut. This minimally invasive procedure is highly effective, with no downtime and minimal bruising.
• Ambulatory Phlebectomy:
• Bulging veins are micro-extracted through small incisions, typically healing without scarring. This 30-60 minute in-office procedure allows for minimal recovery time and excellent results.
• Foam Sclerotherapy:
• A foamed solution thickens the vein wall, sealing off blood flow and displacing blood to prevent dilution of the solution.
• Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy:
• Medication is injected into diseased veins using ultrasound for precise placement. No sedation is required, and patients can return to normal activities immediately.