Venous leg ulcers
When leg veins don't carry blood back to the heart well, pressure builds up and the skin can break down, usually above the inner ankle. Compression therapy and treating the underlying vein problem are central to healing and to keeping ulcers from coming back.
When to get help now: Sudden leg swelling with pain, or shortness of breath, can mean a blood clot. Call 911.
Warning signs
- Leg swelling that worsens during the day
- Brown discoloration around the ankle
- Itchy, weeping skin
- A shallow wound above the ankle
Who is at risk
- Varicose veins
- Past blood clots in the leg
- Obesity
- Jobs that involve long periods of standing
How we treat it
Medically reviewed by: [Clinician name, credentials] · Last reviewed: [date]