Venous leg ulcers
A venous leg ulcer is a slow-to-heal wound, usually near the ankle, that develops when weak vein valves let blood pool in the lower leg. At Charming Skin & Vein Clinics we treat the underlying vein problem so the skin can heal.
What is a venous leg ulcer?
A venous leg ulcer is an open sore that forms when long-standing venous insufficiency raises pressure in the veins of the lower leg. Over time this pressure damages the skin, most often just above the inner ankle, and a wound develops that heals slowly or keeps returning. Because the root cause sits in the veins, lasting relief depends on treating the reflux beneath the skin, not just dressing the wound.
What causes venous leg ulcers?
Most venous leg ulcers begin with chronic venous insufficiency, where damaged vein valves allow blood to flow backward and pool in the lower leg. Common contributing factors include:
- Chronic venous insufficiency — the leading cause, where failing valves let blood pool and pressure build in the leg veins.
- Varicose veins — enlarged, poorly functioning veins that raise pressure in the surrounding tissue.
- A history of blood clots (DVT) — past clots can damage vein valves and impair drainage.
- Prolonged standing or sitting — limited leg movement makes it harder for veins to return blood to the heart.
- Excess weight and reduced mobility — both add to the load on the leg veins.
Symptoms and warning signs
Venous ulcers are often preceded by weeks or months of skin and circulation changes around the ankle. Watch for:
- An open, shallow wound near the ankle that is slow to heal or keeps returning
- Aching, heaviness, or swelling in the lower leg that worsens through the day
- Darkening, hardening, or discoloration of the skin around the ankle
- Itching, flaking, or a dry, irritated patch of skin before the wound opens
- Drainage, odor, or increasing pain, which can suggest infection and needs prompt care
If you notice an open sore on the lower leg that has not healed within a couple of weeks, it is worth having your veins evaluated.
Why treat venous leg ulcers?
Left untreated, venous ulcers tend to grow, become painful, and are prone to infection, and they often return once healed if the underlying vein problem is not addressed. Treating the source of the venous pressure helps the wound heal, lowers the chance of recurrence, and protects the surrounding skin. Addressing the veins early also helps prevent progression to more advanced venous disease.
How we evaluate and treat it
A venous leg ulcer is usually a sign of underlying venous reflux, so we start by understanding what is happening beneath the skin before discussing treatment. Dr. Abboud brings more than 20 years of experience caring for veins, and care begins with a clear diagnosis and a plan matched to your symptoms.
- Ultrasound vein diagnosis to map blood flow and pinpoint where vein valves are allowing blood to pool
- Endovenous laser treatment (EVLA) to close a weakened underlying vein and redirect flow to healthier veins
- Varicose vein treatment for the enlarged veins that often drive the pressure behind an ulcer
- Compression therapy to reduce swelling, support healing, and lower the risk of the ulcer returning
Prevention and self-care
- Wear compression stockings as recommended to support the veins and control swelling.
- Elevate your legs above heart level several times a day to ease pressure in the lower leg.
- Stay active with regular walking to keep the calf muscles pumping blood upward.
- Care for the skin around your ankles by keeping it clean and moisturized to reduce breakdown.
- Maintain a healthy weight to lessen the strain on your leg veins.
Related vein conditions
- Vein symptoms & conditions — the full overview of how venous problems show up
- Varicose veins
- Leg pain from veins
- Reticular veins
Common questions
When should I see a vein doctor about a leg ulcer?
It is worth scheduling an evaluation if you have an open sore near the ankle that has not healed in a couple of weeks, or if you notice swelling, aching, heaviness, or darkening skin in the lower leg. These can be signs that the veins are no longer supporting healthy blood flow, and an ultrasound can show what is happening.
Is treatment covered by insurance?
Most PPO plans and Medicare cover treatment for symptomatic veins. Purely cosmetic vein work is self-pay. We are glad to review your symptoms and help you understand your coverage before any treatment.
What can I expect at a free vein screening?
Your screening is a relaxed, informational visit. We listen to your symptoms, look at your legs, and talk through whether an ultrasound and further evaluation make sense. There is no pressure — the goal is to help you understand your veins and your options.
Medically informed care
Vein care at Charming Skin & Vein Clinics is led by Dr. Abboud, who brings more than 20 years of medical experience — a graduate of the University of Damascus with residency training at Cook County Hospital and John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital in Chicago. This page is for general education, reviewed for accuracy, and is not a substitute for an in-person evaluation.
Because venous leg ulcers almost always stem from underlying venous reflux, we may recommend an ultrasound vein diagnosis to map the source before planning care. Most PPO plans and Medicare cover treatment for symptomatic veins. Book a Free Vein Screening or call 630-974-1400.
Trusted resources: MedlinePlus — Venous leg ulcers, MedlinePlus — Venous insufficiency.
Ready to take the next step? Book a Free Vein Screening or call us at 630-974-1400.