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Venous Ulcers

At Lee Health, we are dedicated to providing exceptional care for patients suffering from venous ulcers. Our team of specialized vascular surgeons utilizes advanced, minimally invasive techniques to diagnose, treat, and prevent venous ulcers, aiming to restore vein function and enhance patient well-being.

What Are Venous Ulcers?

Venous ulcers are chronic wounds that develop due to improper functioning of vein valves in the lower extremities, leading to inadequate blood circulation. These ulcers commonly appear on the lower legs, particularly around the ankles, and can be painful, slow to heal, and significantly impact daily life. If left untreated, venous ulcers may lead to infections and severe complications.

Venous Ulcer Treatment Options Near You

Our Venous Ulcer Care team of specialists offers the latest treatment options to enhance circulation, promote healing, and prevent complications.

Symptoms of Venous Ulcers

Venous ulcers primarily result from chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a condition where damaged vein valves fail to efficiently return blood to the heart, causing blood to pool in the legs. This leads to increased venous pressure and fluid leakage into surrounding tissues, resulting in ulcer formation.

Common symptoms include:

  • Leg swelling and heaviness: A feeling of fullness or pressure in the legs.
  • Skin discoloration: Dark red or brown patches around the affected area.
  • Itching or tingling sensations: Discomfort that may lead to scratching and further skin damage.
  • Open sores: Shallow wounds with a red base, sometimes covered by yellow tissue.


  • Dry, flaky skin: The skin surrounding the ulcer may appear tight and scaly.
  • Signs of infection: Increased redness, warmth, foul odor, or pus drainage.
  • Early recognition of these symptoms is crucial for effective treatment and prevention of further complications.

Find a Vascular Specialist Near You

Treatment Options for Venous Ulcers

At Lee Health, we offer a comprehensive approach to treating venous ulcers, focusing on both symptom relief and addressing underlying causes. Our treatment options include:

  • Regular cleaning and dressing: Maintaining a clean wound environment to prevent infection.
  • Specialized dressings: Utilizing materials that promote a moist healing environment.
  • Protective bandaging: Shielding the ulcer from further injury and contamination.

Our wound care specialists see the power of healing every day. We work with your primary care physician on care plans and treatment for pressure sores, diabetic foot ulcers, chronic leg ulcers, gangrene, burns, surgical wounds, traumatic wounds, and oncology wounds. Talk to your primary care doctor today about our soothing, advanced therapies. 

  • Compression stockings or bandages: Applying controlled pressure to improve blood flow and reduce swelling.
  • Customized compression levels: Tailoring therapy to individual patient needs for optimal results.
  • Antibiotics: Prescribed if there is evidence of infection.
  • Pain management: Utilizing medications to alleviate discomfort associated with ulcers.
  • Topical agents: Applying creams or ointments that promote tissue repair and healing.
  • Sclerotherapy: Injecting a solution into affected veins to close them off and reroute blood flow.
  • Endovenous Ablation: Using laser or radiofrequency energy to seal dysfunctional veins.
  • Vein stripping or bypass surgery: Removing or bypassing severely damaged veins in advanced cases.

Our multidisciplinary team collaborates to develop personalized treatment plans aimed at promoting healing and preventing recurrence.

Request an Appointment with a Venous Ulcer Specialist

Preventing Venous Ulcers

Preventative measures are essential to reduce the risk of developing venous ulcers. Recommendations include:

  • Regular exercise: Engaging in activities like walking or swimming to enhance blood circulation.
  • Maintaining a healthy weight: Reducing strain on leg veins through weight management.
  • Elevating the legs: Raising legs above heart level when resting to decrease venous pressure.
  • Wearing compression stockings: As advised by healthcare providers to support vein function.
  • Managing underlying health conditions: Controlling diseases such as diabetes and hypertension that can exacerbate venous issues.

Regular consultations with healthcare professionals are vital for monitoring vascular health and implementing early interventions when necessary.

Lee Health Heart Institute

At Lee Health, you have everything you need to take care of your heart health. No matter where you are in your health care journey, our experts are alongside you every step of the way. We’re ready to help you stay active, engaged and prepared to enjoy the important things in life.

  • Heart Institute

    We provide award winning cardiovascular care with the most experienced experts and the largest heart program in the region.

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