Varicose veins develop when tiny, one-way valves in leg veins become damaged and non-functional. This causes blood to pool in the veins instead of returning to the heart. The veins then bulge or varicose and the leg may become achy, heavy, swollen, and unsightly looking. Many people assume that is a minor, cosmetic issue and do not seek treatment. This is a mistake.
Without treatment, fluid begins to collect in the veins as a result of poor circulation. Over time, this fluid then oozes or leaks from the veins into the surrounding tissues. This condition is referred to as chronic venous insufficiency. When fluid leaks into the surrounding leg tissue, it can cause a breakdown of those tissues and result in an ulceration or wound. Leg ulcerations caused by chronic venous insufficiency are usually on the inner, lower leg between the calf and ankle. Other conditions like diabetic neuropathy and arterial disease may also cause ulcers, so it is very important to get the correct diagnosis and then pursue the correct treatment. A simple, venous ultrasound can easily diagnose venous insufficiency.
Unfortunately, many people suffer for years with venous wounds that will not heal because the correct diagnosis and treatment was not obtained. When the correct diagnosis is made, and the problematic veins are treated, these wounds will finally begin to heal. At Totality, both ultrasound examinations and treatment of problematic veins resulting in ulcerations are provided in our office, usually within an hour, using state-of-the-art vein treatments.