Leg Wounds

What are leg wounds?

Leg wounds, or leg ulcers, are wounds that develop on the legs or feet. While they sometimes heal on their own, healing may be delayed, and some wounds don’t heal at all 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. Leg wounds are considered chronic conditions if they don’t heal after three months of undergoing treatment.

What are the risk factors for leg wounds?

Leg wounds affect about 4% of people over 65. Other risk factors include:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Rheumatoid arthritis 
• Chronic venous insufficiency
• Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Family history of vein problems
• Hip or knee replacement procedures
• Broken bones or other traumatic injuries
• Smoking
• Lack of exercise
• Vasculitis (inflamed blood vessels)
• Blood clots
• Varicose veins
• Being female

Women are twice as likely as men to have leg ulcers (wounds).

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 liquid discharge or pus
• Itchy skin
• Hardened skin
• Hard lumps on the skin
• Leg pain after standing
• Swelling in the lower legs

Wounds in the legs or feet that don’t heal after two weeks of treatment are concerning. See a specialist at the first sign of a problem.

How are leg wounds diagnosed?

Diagnosing leg wounds and their cause involves a discussion about your medical history and symptoms, a vital signs check, physical exam, and diagnostic tests. Your provider examines the wound and may complete ankle-brachial index testing, ultrasound, a biopsy, or other diagnostic procedures.

How are leg wounds treated?

Texas Cardiac and Vascular Specialists offers the following treatments for leg wounds or their underlying cause:

• Bandage or stocking compression 
• Leg elevation
• Antibiotics 
• Debridement
• Topical antiseptics
• Specialized bandages
• Sclerotherapy
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy 
• Skin grafting
• Lifestyle changes
• Surgery

The Texas Cardiac and Vascular Specialists team offers endovascular treatment to repair, remove, replace, or bypass damaged veins. They may refer you to another specialist to help you effectively manage diabetes or another underlying medical problem. 

Healthy lifestyle habits that reduce the risk of leg wounds include healthy weight management, not smoking, proper chronic disease management, skin moisturizers, and compression stockings to optimize blood flow in the legs. 

Schedule a leg or foot wound evaluation at Texas Cardiac and Vascular Specialists by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.