Could You Have Ulcers, Wounds, or Open Sores?
Open sores and ulcers on the legs are areas of the leg that have not been able to heal completely and tend to ooze and bleed. Venous leg ulcers, also called stasis ulcers, are one of the most common chronic wounds treated in wound care centers. It is estimated that up to 1.8 million people in the United States are afflicted with venous leg ulcers.
Are you experiencing any of these symptoms?
- Open wound/sore in lower leg around the ankle, most commonly on the inner/inside of the ankle
- Leg swelling
- Itchiness
- Skin discoloration
- Signs of infection at wound site
Request a vascular consultation today!
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Call 832-772-5557
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Personalized Treatment for Ulcers, Wounds, and Open Sores
Hamilton Vascular is your premier center for treating the source of non-healing ulcers, open sores, wounds and other signs of chronic venous disease.
What Causes Open Sores and Ulcers?
Open sores on the leg are frequently caused by venous ulcers. These ulcers occur when inadequate blood flow from congested veins cause weakening of the immune system, namely white blood cells. The weakened immune system and congested veins combination can build up toxins in the tissues of the legs, most commonly in the inner ankle areas.
Gravity causing venous high pressure can lead to reverse blood circulation in the leg veins. This inflammation then harms the tissues of the skin in the foot, ankle and lower leg. A buildup on the legs can erupt and break down the skin, which leads to a leg wound. After some time, a small wound may grow to be considerably bigger.
A non-healing wound on the leg, called a venous leg ulcer, commonly appears as shallow injuries between your lower calf and ankle or on your calf and foot, although some can appear on the outer or back of the leg. Leg ulcers are often seen with an area of surrounding inflammation, including redness, swelling, and tenderness of the skin and soft tissue. Some patients complain of swelling, achiness, and tiredness in the legs.
In some patients, leg ulcers may heal gradually. In others, leg ulcers last for weeks, months, or even years. If underlying diseased veins that caused the leg ulcer are not identified or treated, leg ulcers tend to not heal properly and recur more often. Leg ulcers may also become infected, which can prompt more serious health problems.
That’s why it is important to see an expert physician at Hamilton Vascular. Call 832-772-5557 today to schedule your appointment.
Meet Our Expert Doctors
Dean Chauvin, MD
Carlos Hamilton III, MD
Andrew Hansen, MD
Mary Parker, MD
William Parker, MD
Terrell Singleton, MD
Justin Smith, MD
What Are Risk Factors for Ulcers, Wounds, or Open Sores?
Risk of ulcers is higher for diabetics who have already compromised circulatory systems. Other factors include obesity, aging, injury, family medical history, constant standing for long periods of time and certain medical conditions. People may inherit a tendency for abnormal veins. The elderly and women have a higher risk for leg ulcers than men or more youthful individuals.
Skin discoloration, spider veins and varicose veins are all signs that your circulation is not returning blood to your heart appropriately. General physical action, including exercise, and appropriate eating, can help your circulatory system and may diminish your odds of developing ulcers, wounds or open sores.
How Are Venous Leg Ulcers Treated?
Our doctors will create a personal medical treatment plan for patients with ulcers, wounds or open sores. Often the first course of action is compression to relieve built up pressure. In many cases, treating the diseased veins that lead to the ulcer/wound/sore will re-direct blood flow, alleviate congestion, and clear the toxins. Relief of pooled blood helps deliver fresh blood and nutrients to heal the ulcers.
What Treatments Are Available?
Hamilton Vascular offers the following treatments for open sores and ulcers:
- Diagnostic Arterial Ultrasound
- Angiography
- Angioplasty
- Atherectomy
- Stenting
Ulcers, Sores and Wounds Are Treatable
Our expert vascular doctors provide you with the safest choice for successful treatment of vein and arterial issues.
Call 832-772-5557 today to schedule your appointment.
6 LOCATIONS IN SOUTH TEXAS
Call 832-772-5557 today to schedule your appointment.