Venous Leg Ulcers
Overview of Venous Leg Ulcers in Dubai
Venous leg ulcers are chronic, non-healing wounds that develop due to poor venous circulation. They are the most common type of leg ulcer, primarily caused by chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).
If left untreated, venous ulcers can lead to severe complications, recurrent infections, and impaired mobility. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can greatly enhance healing results.
Conventional treatment methods include cleansing the wound, applying dressings, and using compression bandaging. However, since leg ulcers tend to heal slowly, this approach can significantly affect the patient’s quality of life.
Dr. Soroush Sohrabi in Dubai takes a comprehensive assessment of his patients to identify the circulatory causes of leg ulcers and determine whether venous insufficiency is the underlying issue.
Advanced treatments, including laser and radiofrequency ablation, sclerotherapy, ClariVein®, and phlebectomy, are tailored to each patient’s needs, ensuring effective and personalised care for optimal treatment outcomes.
What is a Venous Leg Ulcer (Sore)?
A venous leg ulcer is an open wound that fails to heal or slowly heal. It typically occurs on the lower leg, above the ankle. These ulcers develop due to increased venous pressure, which causes skin breakdown and impaired healing.
How Do Venous Leg Ulcers develop?
Venous leg ulcers develop because the veins in the legs cannot adequately pump blood to the heart, and a pool of blood accumulates in the lower part of the limb. This leads to tissue damage and skin breakdown, resulting in ulcer formation.
Causes of Venous Leg Ulcers
Oxygenated and nutrient-filled blood is pumped by the heart through the arteries to nourish the entire body, including the legs. For circulation to be complete, this blood must return to the heart and lungs for re-oxygenation via the veins. However, unlike the arteries, the veins in your legs do not have a built-in pump like the heart.
Instead, blood must travel upwards against gravity, naturally pulling it back down. The movement of blood from the legs relies on the action of your leg muscles.
When you walk or move, your muscles contract, squeezing the veins and pushing blood upward. To prevent backflow when the muscles relax, one-way valves within the veins close, ensuring blood moves in the right direction.
If these valves become weakened or damaged, they are no longer able to stop the backward flow of blood. This causes blood to gather in the veins, putting pressure on them and causing them to stretch, resulting in varicose veins.
This condition, known as “venous insufficiency”, is the primary cause of varicose veins. With time, this leads to tissue damage and skin breakdown, forming an ulcer.
Symptoms of Venous Leg Ulcers
Venous leg ulcers typically appear as shallow, irregularly shaped wounds with a red or yellow base. They are most commonly located on the lower leg, just above the ankle. They are often accompanied by swelling in the feet and ankles, skin discoloration (brownish pigmentation), and itchiness due to chronic venous insufficiency.
These ulcers may be associated with varicose veins, contributing to venous congestion and impaired healing. Commonly, there are thread veins in the legs.
Patients often experience mild pain or discomfort, which worsens with prolonged standing.
Additionally, fluid leakage from the ulcer can lead to weeping or crusting, increasing the risk of infection and delayed wound healing.
When to See a Doctor for Venous Leg Ulcers?
If you have a non-healing or slow-healing ulcer on your leg, it is essential to consult a doctor for a proper assessment. The location, shape, and depth of the ulcer, along with skin changes, swelling, and varicose veins, can provide key insights into its underlying cause.
Medical attention must be sought to avoid complications and receive proper treatment to facilitate healing.
Diagnosis of Leg Venous Ulcers
Clinical examination and medical history
A comprehensive clinical evaluation is crucial to identify if chronic venous insufficiency is the underlying cause of a leg ulcer. The location, shape, and depth of a venous leg ulcer help in its diagnosis, as these ulcers are typically shallow with irregular edges and are most commonly found on the lower leg, above the ankle.
Skin changes such as swelling, discoloration, and venous eczema are common signs of chronic venous insufficiency, the primary cause of venous ulcers.
The presence of varicose veins further indicates underlying venous insufficiency, contributing to poor circulation and delayed healing.
Moreover, a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), trauma to the leg, varicose veins, or chronic leg swelling elevates the risk of developing venous leg ulcers, making an accurate diagnosis essential for effective treatment.
Diagnostic tests
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Doppler Ultrasound– A non-invasive test that checks for blocked or weak veins using sound waves.
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Ankle-brachial index (ABI) – A straightforward test to balance blood pressure at the ankle and arm to determine if there is an arterial issue.
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CT venography (CTV) – A scan that uses contrast dye to create detailed images of deep veins and check for blockages.
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Venography – A special X-ray test with dye to see veins more clearly, used when other tests don’t give precise results.
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Skin biopsy – A small amount of skin removed from the ulcer to test for diseases such as cancer or inflammation.
Venous Leg Ulcer Treatment in Dubai
1- Compression therapy
Compression therapy is essential for improving circulation and reducing swelling. Compression stockings are unsuitable for patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) unless carefully assessed.
They should only be worn cautiously and under medical supervision after evaluating arterial flow and circulation, as they may further restrict blood supply to the legs. If you have been diagnosed with PAD, have a history of diabetes, or are a smoker, it is essential to consult your doctor before using compression therapy.
Dr. Soroush Sohrabi, an experienced vascular surgeon, specializes in arterial disease and can assess your vascular health, diagnose peripheral arterial disease, and provide expert guidance on whether compression therapy suits you.
2- Wound care & dressings
Proper wound management promotes healing and prevents infection:
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Regular wound cleaning
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Moist or antimicrobial dressings
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Debridement to remove dead tissue
3- Medications & topical treatments
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Antibiotics for infections
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Topical steroids for venous eczema
Minimally Invasive Venous Leg Ulcer Treatment in Dubai
Dr. Soroush Sohrabi provides leg ulcer treatments with minimally invasive techniques that include laser and radiofrequency ablation, ClariVein®, micro phlebectomy, and sclerotherapy.
These advanced procedures effectively target venous insufficiency, improve circulation, and promote healing with minimal downtime. Please visit the individual treatment pages for more detailed information.
Prevention & Lifestyle Modifications
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Regular exercise & leg elevation
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Wearing compression stockings
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Healthy diet & hydration
Expert Care for Venous Leg Ulcers in Dubai – Restore Your Skin & Vascular Health
Venous leg ulcers are a common and challenging complication of chronic venous insufficiency. However, they can be effectively managed with early diagnosis, proper wound care, compression therapy, and, if necessary, minimally invasive treatments.
Consulting a vascular specialist ensures the best approach for long-term healing and prevention of recurrence. Book a consultation with Dr. Soroush Sohrabi in Dubai for expert assessment and personalized treatment options.