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Vein Condition

Leg Ulcers: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Venous leg ulcers are open wounds on the lower leg caused by chronic venous insufficiency. They account for up to 80% of all leg ulcers and will not heal without treating the underlying vein disease. Our specialists provide comprehensive care to close wounds and prevent recurrence.

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What Are Venous Leg Ulcers?

Venous leg ulcers are open sores that develop on the lower leg — typically between the knee and ankle — when chronic venous insufficiency causes blood to pool and pressure to build in the veins. This elevated pressure damages the surrounding skin and tissue, eventually breaking down into a wound.

Unlike wounds from injury, venous ulcers do not heal on their own. The underlying venous hypertension must be corrected for healing to occur. Without treating the root cause, ulcers recur in the majority of patients even after the wound closes.

Our vein specialists use duplex ultrasound to identify the specific veins causing the problem, then perform minimally invasive procedures to eliminate venous reflux — dramatically accelerating wound healing and reducing the risk of recurrence.

Common Symptoms

  • Open wound or sore on the lower leg or ankle
  • Wound edges that are irregular or sloping
  • Yellow or brown discharge from the wound
  • Surrounding skin that is discolored, hardened, or itchy
  • Leg swelling, especially around the ankle
  • Aching or heaviness in the affected leg
  • History of varicose veins or venous insufficiency

Who Is at Risk for Venous Leg Ulcers?

Chronic Venous Insufficiency

CVI is the primary cause of venous leg ulcers. Untreated venous reflux leads to progressive skin damage and eventual ulceration.

History of DVT

Deep vein thrombosis damages vein valves, leading to post-thrombotic syndrome and significantly elevated ulcer risk.

Varicose Veins

Long-standing untreated varicose veins increase venous pressure in the lower leg, contributing to skin breakdown over time.

Obesity

Excess body weight increases pressure on leg veins and impairs lymphatic drainage, accelerating skin damage.

Advanced Age

Skin becomes thinner and less resilient with age, making it more susceptible to breakdown from venous hypertension.

Immobility

Reduced mobility impairs the calf muscle pump that helps return blood to the heart, worsening venous pooling.

Leg Ulcer Treatments We Offer

Treating the underlying venous insufficiency is essential for healing leg ulcers and preventing recurrence. Our in-office procedures are minimally invasive and covered by most insurance plans.

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

Corrects the underlying venous insufficiency driving the ulcer. Dramatically reduces healing time and recurrence.

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Sclerotherapy

Treats smaller varicose and reticular veins contributing to venous hypertension and ulcer formation.

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Ultrasound Diagnostics

Duplex ultrasound maps the venous system to identify reflux and plan the most effective treatment approach.

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Leg Ulcer Treatment Is Covered by Most Insurance Plans

Our team handles insurance verification for you. Book a free screening and find out if you qualify.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What causes venous leg ulcers?
Venous leg ulcers are caused by chronic venous insufficiency — a condition where damaged vein valves allow blood to pool in the lower legs. The resulting high pressure damages the skin and underlying tissue, eventually causing an open wound that struggles to heal without treating the underlying venous disease.
How long does it take for a venous leg ulcer to heal?
With proper treatment — including compression therapy and correction of the underlying venous insufficiency — most venous leg ulcers heal within 3–6 months. Untreated ulcers can persist for years and significantly impact quality of life. Early intervention leads to faster healing and lower recurrence rates.
Will my leg ulcer come back after treatment?
Without treating the underlying venous disease, recurrence rates are very high — up to 70% within 3 years. Treating the venous insufficiency with procedures like radiofrequency ablation dramatically reduces recurrence. Ongoing compression therapy and follow-up care are also important.
Does insurance cover leg ulcer treatment?
Yes. Venous leg ulcer treatment is a medical condition covered by most major insurance plans including Medicare and Medicaid. Because ulcers are caused by an underlying medical condition (venous insufficiency), both wound care and vein treatment are typically covered.
Is leg ulcer treatment painful?
Wound care and vein procedures are performed with local anesthesia and are well-tolerated. Many patients actually experience significant pain relief once the underlying venous pressure is reduced through treatment.
When should I see a doctor about a leg wound?
Any wound on the lower leg that has not healed within 2 weeks should be evaluated by a vein specialist. Early treatment prevents the wound from deepening, reduces infection risk, and leads to faster healing. Do not wait — venous ulcers worsen without intervention.

Don't Let a Leg Ulcer Go Untreated

Our board-certified vein specialists serve Michigan and South Carolina. Schedule your free vein screening today.

Book Free ScreeningCall 866-692-4907