Venous Ulceration Examples & Information

What are Venous Ulcers?

Venous leg ulcers are open sores that typically occur on the background of generalized venous disease. They tend to occur in the area between the knee and ankle joints and are single handedly the most common cause of leg ulcers – indeed, up to 80% of all leg ulcers are caused by venous leg ulcers. These ulcers tend to persist for more than 6 weeks and can be extremely troublesome and worrisome for patients who have them. Thankfully, Dr Yalamanchili has over a decade of experience in managing these troublesome ulcers.

How do Venous Ulcers develop?

Many of our patients that we see at FSA Vein Care are often times confused and perplexed as to why they developed a venous ulcer. There are many causes of venous leg ulcers, but the most common cause is that of general venous disease or insufficiency. The pressure in the veins of the lower limbs is elevated due to insufficiencies in the valves within the veins which normally function to prevent reflux (backflow) of blood against gravity. Another cause of venous ulcers is that of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) which can occur in patients who are prone to clotting due to inherited blood disorders, or in those who have the risk factors for it, such as obesity, major trauma or prolonged long-distance travel.

How will my Venous Ulcer be evaluated?

At FSA Vein Care, we believe in holistic patient care. Hence, Dr Yalamanchili takes a comprehensive approach to all his patients and does not treat their problems in isolation. Even if your primary concern is that of your venous leg ulcer, Dr Yalamanchili will perform a targeted clinical assessment for you. This comprises of a review of your medical history, including a stratified risk assessment for your cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risk. This is important, as arterial leg ulcers can rarely mimic venous ulcers and may herald widespread systemic arterial disease (atherosclerosis). Next, you will be physically examined – specifically, your pulses and blood pressure will be assessed. The ulcer will be carefully evaluated for its location, size, characteristics and signs of infection. This will enable us to classify your venous ulcer and recommend the appropriate treatment strategy that is tailored and customized to your needs.

What can I expect for Venous Ulcer treatment?

Depending on the classification and severity of your venous ulcer, Dr Yalamanchili will order some specialized investigations such as a Doppler ultrasound or Duplex ultrasound to objectively evaluate the blood flow through your veins and/or arteries. Blood tests such as your serum lipids (fats) and antibodies may also be ordered depending on your medical history and presentation. Every single investigation that is ordered will be explained simply, but in detail to you so that you are able to participate wholly in your own care plan. The mainstay of treatment in venous leg ulcers is that of compression therapy, leg elevation and drug therapy with pentoxifylline and daflon, although more specialized treatments are available for select patients. ​