Leg Ulcers 7 Facts About Leg Ulcers You Must Know
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- čas přidán 30. 06. 2024
- Important facts about leg ulcers, what causes them, how they can be prevented and cured.
Leg ulcers are common - approximately 2% of adults will have a leg ulcer at some stage in their lives. Literally thousands of people develop a leg ulcer each year in the United Kingdom and many of those get more leg ulcers as the years go by. Despite the misery they cause, leg ulcers remain a neglected problem. I am going to tell you the 7 essential facts should you know about leg ulcers. Number 1 -- What is an ulcer? The medical definition of an ulcer is a break in the epithelium of a body surface or lining. Many of us will be familiar with a mouth ulcer. This is a break in the cell lining the mouth. It can be caused by an injury such as biting the inside of the mouth by accident. Well if the skin breaks down anywhere on the body it is called an ulcer. If the ulcer is on the leg and has been present for more than 6 weeks it is called a chronic leg ulcer. Number 2 What causes a leg ulcer? Four out of 5 ulcers - that's 80% - are caused by a problem with the leg vein pump and they are called venous ulcers. The leg vein pump is the mechanism by which blood flows out of the leg back to the heart. So problems with the deep veins such as obstruction from a deep vein thrombosis, superficial vein reflux or perforator vein problems can cause venous leg ulcers. The leg vein pump depends mainly on good ankle movement, good calf muscles and healthy leg veins. A minority of leg ulcers - about 15% - are caused by problems in the arteries that carry blood into the leg. About 95% of venous leg ulcers can be correctly identified by their appearance, by checking for pulses in the feet and by checking sensation. As most leg ulcers are venous -- that's what I am going to concentrate on. Number 3 -- Where on the leg do you get venous ulcers? Well venous leg ulcers appear on the lower part of the leg usually just about the ankle. Often, there are varicose veins or thread veins around the ulcer and the leg is usually swollen. The skin is often thickened and discoloured by varicose eczema which may actually develop many months or years before the ulcer as a warning sign that the vein circulation is not normal. Number 4 -- Who gets a venous ulcer? Well these ulcers affect people who have deep vein problems, usually from a past deep vein thrombosis (DVT), people who have superficial venous disease or those with ankle mobility problems. Leg ulcers are more common as we get older. Number 5 -- How do you treat venous ulcers? The aim of treatment is to get the ulcer healed as quickly as possible. This usually means graduated compression either with bandages or compression stockings. In most cases, antibiotics, creams and ointments are not necessary. Once the ulcer is healed it is very important to identify any problems with the superficial veins or perforator veins and that these are treated to reduce the risk of another ulcer. This means getting a full assessment with a duplex ultrasound scan. Number 6 Can you cure a leg ulcer? Well this is controversial. Some would say that if the problem is only in the superficial veins, the veins under the skin, or in the perforator veins that connect these superficial veins to the deep veins, then the ulcer can be cured. While there is good evidence that such treatment will greatly reduce the risks of getting another leg ulcer, if the skin has been very damaged and the ulcer has healed with a lot of scarring, this area of the leg may remain vulnerable and a trivial knock or injury might cause another skin breakdown even though the vein abnormality has been completely eradicated. Number 7 -- How can we avoid leg ulcers? Well there are 3 things I would suggest. Firstly, if you are unfortunate enough to suffer a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), it should be treated promptly to limit the damage to the deep veins. Unfortunately, damage to the deep veins cannot be reliably reversed by surgery. So, prompt treatment with anticoagulants -- blood thinning medication -- reduces the extent of the clot and the damage to the deep veins. Secondly, if you have had a DVT, you should consider wearing good quality medical grade compression socks -- some studies suggest that doing so may reduce the risk of leg ulcers after a big DVT. Thirdly, if you have superficial vein reflux have it treated early to reduce the chances of progression to varicose eczema which is itself a warning sign that the skin is damaged and liable to ulceration. Now I hope you have found this useful. Don't forget to subscribe to keep up to date with the latest on veins. Thank you for watching my video.
I am a 35 year old male who has been struggling with a leg ulcer for about 2 years now and even went to a veinous surgeon who used a catheter to glue shut a main vain In my leg to improve circulation in my deep vein system (that's how the surgeon explained it to me) and I didnt see very good results from it unfortunately, I have also been a cigarette smoker since I was nineteen and recently quit and that has done more to help heal the ulcer then any other treatment that I have gotten hands down. It's almost completely healed now and I thank God every day for giving me the strength to stop smoking because I can tell you rite now that having a leg ulcer is one the most painful things I've even experience in life and not only the physical part either, your quality of life gets devastated and so hopefully this post can help someone going thru the same thing as I did. And let's be honest quitting smoking cigarettes has SO MANY more benefits then just helping heal a leg ulcer. Sorry for the long the rant I just wanted to share my experience in hopes it might help someone else out. Thx for the info also btw
Omg your post has me terrified I smoke and have been having problems bad open wound ulcers wish I new what to do but I’m quitting smoking after reading and watching this video
Thank you man really need Ed to hear it
Thank you for sharing your experience I have been suffering with this condition for 17 years, I've been smoking for 26 years it's been hard to quit the habit. It's been the worst hell on earth to live with this condition, I hope I can learn to live without smoking. It would be great to find ways to quit smoking that way I don't have to quit living normal life.
I have a leg ulcer do I have to do surgery
Wud u give any advice to heal venous ulcer?
My mom had this condition. It was bad. She had about 3-4 operations due to this. The operation s were bad, but she recovered. Well wishes to those who have them.
What do you mean the operations were bad?
Thanks, Dr. Gajraj, way better explanation of leg ulcers than I received in medical school. Chris
Thank you Chris, I am glad you found it helpful.
This is very helpful. Thank you so much for such honesty and clarity.
Good luck with that one of my house and see you tomorrow
You are so great! I'm an RVT working mainly in vein treatment and I can only imagine how wonderful it is to work for you!
Thank you for your kind comment.
Wer is dr gajraj located or is der any specialist in India goa ??
@@VeinCareAcademy hi doc I been suffering from leg ulcer for more den year
Exceptionally helpful. Thank you!
Dealing with a leg ulcer due to ankle fracture repair basically trauma to my ankle. I been receiving treatment from wound care center and wearing compression socks for 5 months now. Soon I'll be going in for laser ablation procedure for a varicose vein that lies underneath my ulcer. Can't wait for this to be over. Its depressing and painful to go through. I wish anyone going through this all the best. Stay prayed up!!!
Am still going the same problem my almighty help us
thanks again for all the time to meet with you on
Good Afternoon thank you very much for the information that you give, it was and is very informative. My mom is 74 years old and she got a leg ulcer about 5 months now she has seen at least 4 different doctors, she even spent 6 days in the hospital but her foot still has not healed. She is in a lot of pain because of the ulcer. She has it cleaned everyday but it still is not healing. Thank you again for the very informative video May the Supreme Being Bless you and the staff at The VeinCare Centre
Fantastic information, I have a major dvt and started to get leg ulcers, no one explained this information to me, thank you
Thank you for making this video Dr!!
Thank you! Your explanation very very helpful and explained in a way that we can understand it. So very good of you to provide this help! Wish I had someone like you in the animal rescue field! Lol
Very informative and concise and to the point , also soothing voice ! Thank you
Thank you Dr. for this valuable, information on this subject. My brother suffers from these problems with his legs, and this is very helpful.
Sincerely from the U.S.
Very informative and explained in simple manner even a lay person can understand . Thank you and look forward to next session.
Thank you doctor for your explanation.
Well made + to the point!
Thank you
Thank you, Dr., For Your Vide. I found it very informative!
I am going to check on some compression socks.
Thank you very much for this helpful vedio I also suffering this type of problem
THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH Dr. For this high valued video. God bless you
شومه ساعدي trying to Google do I have Google where ه
Very simple but very well presented, informative video.Thank u so much sir.Pls continue ur effort.
A.S.M.Anwarul Kabir Thank you for your kind comment and positive feedback.
Concure.
God bless you dear doctor I truly appreciate this informative video ....my dad's feet are swollen and have gotten very dark and I thought it was due to his excessively dry skin . He has so much sensitivity to the bottom of his feet that even the breeze causes it hurt . We can't massage the lower part of his feet. He suffered from psoriasis for many years and his Gp says he has psoriatic arthritis. I'm so thankful I found your video,thank you so much for sharing
Excellent video, good information thanks many thanks. I would like to know if some kind of diet will help.
Great video sir thank you so much I’m glad I came across it! 🙏🏽
Glad it was helpful!
Had one from contact with a rusty old wheelbarrow. Took ages, half a year , about and still gets a little flare up if damaged again in the side calf area.
Excellent presentation.. I gleaned more than I expected. Thank you.
Thank you! I shall adhere to your preventative suggestions! Greately appreciated!!!
Brilliant video - great information - thank you!
Outstanding info, Gracias !!!
Hi dear Dr thanks so much. This is nice video. I liked it much.
sukhjit kaur Thank you for your kind appreciation. I am glad you found this interesting.
Thank you Dr. for such important informative video. I have this Varicose veins. I had asked my family Dr some yrs ago, why my leg is blackish at the ankle, but he didn't tell me. After he taken a transfer I asked another Dr currently my family Dr, and he said it is varicose veins. Until then I never heard about it. 8 yrs ago my leg bled. Now when I asked my Dr if it is called ulcer he didn't respond. So this video shows exactly what I have, and I got a definite answer from you. You explained so well, thank you and God Bless you always.
Very helpful. Summary of everything we need to kno w. Thank you.
Thank you for your support and feedback
@@VeinCareAcademy Yes thank you from me as well, this just started with me recently and the video popped up on my recommendations and when l saw the picture headlining the video l recognized my injury right a way, l am 60 and had a severely broken ankle 14 years ago with 2 follow up surgeries, l am living right now in a rural area of the Philippines at the moment and there is next to no health care nearby, this video eases some of the worry l am having.
Thank you for educating me on this. I have suffered from DVT on my right foot for a very long time. Early this year I noticed some spots on the affected area so now I think it's high time I went back to the doctor 😷
God bless you. 🙏
Thank you so much - I've suffered for many years with vascular problems X2 PE's, DVT , varicose veins, etc. Had great Saphenous veins ablated, and lower calf muscles injected with some type of glue? Stuff. I have found what is good is to encourage circulation just by going on a 3 KLM walk every day!
Is it good by walking 3km everyday to cure venous leg ulcer
Thankyou. This is very helpful. You were clear and concise.
Thank you for your kind feedback.
Wonderful information. My mother has had a huge ulcer on her lower leg for nearly 2 years,. The signs were there many years ago. It's very distressing, and has a huge impact of her life. Luckily I have not inherited her poor circulation. thank you again.
Thank you for your kind feedback
.
Thanks so much. I wish you discuss laser ablation treatment for varicose veins. Thanks for sharing!
What a wonderful video and e very well spoken doctor
Thank you for presenting a well thought out and easily understood overview of Venous Leg Ulcers. Mine are on both legs, look like small sores but haven't healed since first detecting them 15 months ago. I will see my primary care physician in two weeks to address this problem. Thanks again.
Thank you for you kind feedback
Q
Thank you! Very informative!
Thank you for this information. I have been suffering for almost a year hence searching for explanation. I must now seek more medication help
Good luck
Sir thank u so much for the information. I need dementia's information from ur side, if possible.my mother is suffering from this dementia since 8 years, now she is refuse the food from last 2 monthS is there any solution sir.she is 70 years old
Thank you for this information Doctor. I am currently treated for leg ulcers & cellulitis in both my legs just above my ankles. I was treated in hospital for 14 days, ceramide through a drip 3 times a day and visits to the wound care sister. It is a long time long way to go with my left leg, but my right leg is almost healed. It was extremely painful but much better now. My advice is, if you see anything that is not normal, seek medical assistance. I thought I could heal it with Bactroban and yes with Covid-19 so rive, I avoided any medical facility.
Great
Thank you , I wish I could of helped two family members with this problem 🌻
Thank you for this video. I wish I had watched it earlier. I had discolortion of skin but my skin doctor did not warn me about a vein circulatiin problem. Eventually this lead to ulcers on my foot and not leg. The duplex ultrasound showed reflux on both deep vein as well as superficial veins. Compression bandages helped the ulcers heal and now I wear compression stockings. Fortunately the ulcers have not returned.
Radhi Raja
That's a blessing...
Hope u see this message soon. Want to know about ulcer, can u share your email
Thank you very much for the good👍 information.
Thank you for a very informative subject.
Most helpful. It reminds one of the subtlety and complexity of even one part of the body and the observations crucial for understanding. Your clear and ‘patient’ instruction is appreciated - I hope you teach, because good pedagogy is rare in any profession.🙏
Thank you for your clear explanation about leg ulcers
You are welcome!
Great Information, I just wish I knew about this 4 Years ago, didn't have a Clue until it was too late. I've gone through 3 surgeries since, one was a complete Arterial Replacement in My left Leg and also a Stint in My right Leg. I sure hope others see this long before they have the Problems I've experience.. 👍😒
Can u share your email, want to know what treatment did u do
Glad I saw your video about Varicose Eczema. Does this effect the breakdown of skin on palms and some on fingers?
In some cases varicose eczema can spread elsewhere on the body. Google autoeczematisation or autoeczematization or ID phenomenon
I got a varicose vein from falling out of a tree and hitting my leg on a branch. Amazing!
Thank you doctor , i found this video when searching cause my father has diabetes with what looks like varicose damage (tromboses caused by playing a lot of football without protection
What a great Explanation:)
Glad it was helpful!
I’ve seen on Utube showing a operation were you can have the damaged vain taken out from the heart down to the damaged one in the leg cutting it off at top and sealing it up at the bottom.
Thank you a helpful Video...well presented and understood.J
Thank you for the feedback
Very useful doc. Thank you.
Thank you doctor. I am treated for leg ulcer for more than 10 years. I will try to use compression socks. My doctor that these socks are costly for me.I appreciate what you are doing.
Thank you for your feedback
Thanks for the information. Helpful.
Thank you so much for the very informative video 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Thank you so much for a well detailed Video.
Your feedback is greatly appreciated.
You've described my wound to a T. Damn thing took months to heal, left a nasty scar and the 2nd round is going on a year and a half. I'm scared to use compression stockings because the last time I used them I developed surface blood clots. Currently waiting on an appt with a specialist.
Great short vid, wish mine would heal up quickly. Almost 2 years now and its just opened big again. But then i had Cancer in the leg and im missing 60% of my thigh muscles.
Public knowledge of this sort of thing is so invaluable. Thank you for this informative video. I’ve stumped my docs as to what this ghastly thing is and my dermatologist has called it psoriasis, however the appearance and chat about it now have me convinced that I may have now correctly identified the culprit, thanks again to this video. Blessings
Thank you for your kind feedback.
Thanks for this very informative video. GOD BLESS YOU FOR SHARING.
Great advice, thank you 👍
Thank you for your kind feedback.
Thankyou. Very Very Much. Avril
Very informative video. I think many general doctors don't view skin discolouration as a big deal, but of course it is as you have pointed out, because the next stage whether it takes months or years will be ulcerations.
Exactly my point!!! Going back to the drawing board for my discolored lower foot
Thanks dr for valuable information 🙏
Thank you for this information 🙏🙏🙏
Thanks very much .its a good advice .infuture we.observe
Wow keep doing the good work
I first started getting ulcers on my feet and above the ankles as described in this video. At first I thought some sort of allergy, or insect bite was the reason for these awful, bloody, ulcers popping around my lower legs. When I say bloody, I mean blood would pour out of these ulcers. It would actually start with an uncontrollable itch in the area, which automatically I would scratch, but then it turned into a blister and when it popped, the ulcer would appear right after. I went to the ER, the doctor on base while I was active duty, and finally to a dermatologist, but nobody could tell me what it is I had, or the cause of such painful and awful things. About a week ago, another ulcer popped and this time I decided to go see the local Urgent care here is town. The doctor there is a previous ER Doctor and knows his stuff. Right away he told me there was nothing he could do for me, and to contact my primary care doctor and bring a paper he gave me. Turns out I have a problem with blood circulation in my lower legs hence water retention is creating this ulcers. By the way, I have been trying to find out exactly what was wrong with me since this first started to happened, 7 years to be exact, 2012 is when I first noticed. I am happy to know now what is causing this problem, but very disappointed about those times I visited all those places and no one seem to know what was wrong. Now I have this awful black marks all over my lower legs and the Ulcers do come back as mentioned in the video. Unfortunately, now they are getting worst and more painful than ever. Thank you for sharing this video. I hope others suffering from this awful thing get a better answer and fast care.
That's so sad sweetie to hear you are still facing this situation, I know of a doctor who can help you out with this. He also help me from this same disease , He can also help you cure yours permanently
@@nancywalker-keay8361 i have the same problem for about 2 years disabled from work can't found solution for healing this ulceras in my case leaks water non stop ,,eventually will close but very slow process but another ulceras will appear in different areas,,, also my legs swells on and off that triggers the ulceras to pops around especially lower areas and foot,, not allowing me to wear shoes because the pain and moist from the leaking ulceras...... affecting me mentally as well...
If you can help me with the Dr or type dr he is so I can research around my area..
Good bless you and feel better...
What food should we avoid ?
Same like i am surfing like 5 years in every summer 😢....
Very good video, thank you for sharing : )
Very informative thank you
Thanks for the info
You are welcome, I hope it helps you.
If underlying circulatory problems aren't fixed, I'd expect they can return. A nursing sister used honey I'd gathered from my bees to topically treat her husbands' leg ulcers. The honey healed his infections with minimal scarring.
I also Used Honey, Natural healer....
So true , we used manuka honey in the rest home
Thanks Dr for this great informational ❤️❤️❤️
Very much use full thank you
Thank you for the information. I am in my 80's and had an ulcer above the ankle which developed after a bang on the leg in the garden and would not heal. I am permanentlly on low dose steroids (2mg.daily). After treatment for a few weeks at my local surgery, I took matters into my own hands. I used a very high strength Manukah honey, registered pure, and applied a tiny amount with a silver teaspoon directly on it each morning, after washing it with 50/50 tea tree oil and water, and then applying a melanin dressing. It was about an inch in diameter, and in 6 weeks was completely cured with only a small scar. I had lived in Australia during WW2 and my father returned after prison camp with many ulcers....all of which healed with good nutrition, and similar treatment. Mine was about 8 years ago now, and in spite of being disabled and unable to walk much, I have had no further trouble. I do keep an eye on my legs though. Perhaps this needs researching more?
Venous ulcers are caused by damaged vein valves. It can be seen on ultrasound and there is no way to repair them. The valves that stop fluid from going backwards do not function anymore. Superficial veins that are damaged can be closed off and the healthy veins take over. Smoking increases the risk of having this condition.
Thank you for sharing your experience
P
Dear Wendy. Could you please let me know what's the UMF rating for Manukah honey the one you were using ? Also, please recommend your brand which I can choose or buy online. My mom is suffering just the same as you from past 15 plus years. Please help her out. Billions of thanks in advance.
Regards,
Jay
Thank you for sharing very good information.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank myou so much, my wife's uncle in the Philippines has this and has as usual
there neglected it, due to no money etc etc , I have tried to help him,
as I am on vacation from the UK/Norwich for a few months, but the heat there and
there mannerism to just wear shorts all day and night is cause for
problems, but I do thank you , he is 65 has had a stroke and bad heart
and now not wearing a crash helmet falling off he's motor bike and had a
head injury and will have a head scan at great cost, going back to the
ulcers, NIGHTMARE he bleeds easily slight knock and his skin seems like
paper,,,I will make sure he wears some form of bandage and stocking as
he tends to scratch the wounds....god knows I am trying to help him, he
is like a 6 year old kid at 65 .I am out of my depth and the doctors here charge a fortune that we have paid for already..Help!
Thank you Sir. Well advised now.
Thank you for your feedback.
Thank you. This video is helpful.
Thank you for a very lucid and informative talk - much better than the Amerikan versions with all the sideshows et al...
Thank you for your feedback
Thank you for the information.
Thankyou very well explained
I had a venous ulcer 2011 at age 51 and it has never recurred. For some time before I had swelling around the ankle and for some years after it healed occasional mild pains in that leg. I wore compression socks religiously for 6 years. I have fallen out of the habit of wearing them and I am not seeing any swelling , eczema, nor feeling any pains. Am I taking a significant risk ? Also, a locum doctor once remarked to me that knee length socks were unhelpful, because they put downward pressure on the leg veins, and said he favoured a full leg compression sock. Long socks? Knee socks ? No socks ?
I do lots of exercise like squatting , walking etc and elevate my legs every night.
Very very thanks for your knowledge
Thank you this was Avery helpful video for me.
Thank you for this doc.
Excellent video. Clear and concise. Thank you!
Thank you for your feedback
@@VeinCareAcademy You're welcome! 👍
Thank you Doctor for clear, informative video. I don't have any ulcer at this stage, just color changes on my both ankles, and bruses on the toes. I have suggested to wear knee hight compression stockings during the day, I have bought two, but they are so hard to wear all day. Because of the tideness, causing unbearable throbing sensation and discomfort.
I’ve learnt more about my condition watching this informational video than I could ever have hoped to hear from my Doctor. I’m at my wits end with worry and have just entered my 4th bout of Venous Ulcers .. it’s always the right leg and the pain is horrendous on the 5 ulcers I have right now,it wouldn’t be so bad if my practice nurses knew how to correctly apply a compression bandage but only a few hours after applying it,it’s around my ankles .. no support whatsoever ..
I’m getting to the point where I’m considering and looking into amputation as an immediate cure to the issues I’m experiencing .
Thank you again for your most informative video
We are very sorry to hear of your distress. Hopefully this video will help you find the help you need.
Thankyou soo much Dr
for sharing Very informative video...
for me also its help full
Thank you Dr very very useful information
Keep watching and thank you for the feedback
Thany u doctor for the very informative video u share w/ us❤️🥰
Thank you professor
Dr I am from Trinidad I am very happy to here from you all you said is so true I just experince that problem only one week now I am on Warframe tablet now I know what to do thanks you so much
My mum has them on both legs, doctors and nurses are useless and it's tearing both her and myself up hearing her crying in pain all through the night. Watched my dad suffer and die from cancer, feel like I'm watching my mum go through the same. Apologies for the rant 🥺 this video was very informative, better advice then any doctor she's seen.....
very helpful, thank you
Got leg ulcer on myleft leg due to.my huge varivose veins that really disgusting.
Any help you could suggest.?
Sir very very usefull information. Great job.
Doctor ty for the information..m from.NORCAL USA
Thanks sir for valuable information