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understanding leg ulcers
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Understanding Leg Ulcers

Leg ulcers are a common yet often misunderstood medical condition that can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. These open sores or wounds typically develop on the lower legs and are slow to heal due to a variety of underlying conditions. One of the most concerning factors contributing to the development of leg ulcers is diabetes. Understanding the symptoms of leg ulcers and their connection to diabetes is crucial for early detection and effective management.

What Are Leg Ulcers?

Leg ulcers are sores that develop on the skin, usually on the lower legs, and take longer to heal than regular wounds. They are often caused by poor blood circulation, which prevents the necessary nutrients and oxygen from reaching the skin to promote healing. There are different types of leg ulcers, including venous, arterial, and diabetic ulcers, each associated with different causes and risk factors.

Symptoms of Leg Ulcers

Identifying the symptoms of leg ulcers early is key to preventing complications. Here are some common signs and symptoms:

  1. Persistent Pain and Discomfort: One of the earliest signs of a leg ulcer is persistent pain, which may feel like a burning or aching sensation. This pain can be more pronounced when standing or walking and might ease when the legs are elevated.
  2. Open Wounds: Leg ulcers typically appear as open sores or wounds that do not heal within a few weeks. They may start as small cuts or abrasions and gradually become larger.
  3. Swelling and Redness: The area around the ulcer may become swollen and red due to inflammation. This swelling can be particularly noticeable around the ankles and may worsen as the day progresses.
  4. Discoloration and Hardening of Skin: Over time, the skin around a leg ulcer can become discolored, turning a dark brown or black. The skin may also become hard or leathery, indicating a condition known as lipodermatosclerosis, which is often associated with chronic venous insufficiency.
  5. Itching and Rash: Some people may experience itching around the ulcerated area. In certain cases, a red, scaly rash known as venous eczema can develop, adding to the discomfort.
  6. Foul-Smelling Discharge: If an ulcer becomes infected, it may produce a foul-smelling discharge. The presence of pus or increased pain around the ulcer could indicate a bacterial infection, requiring immediate medical attention.

The Diabetes Connection

Diabetes, a chronic condition characterized by high blood sugar levels, is a significant risk factor for the development of leg ulcers, particularly diabetic foot ulcers. Here’s why:

  1. Nerve Damage (Neuropathy): Diabetes can cause neuropathy, a condition that results in nerve damage, particularly in the feet and legs. Neuropathy can cause a loss of sensation, making it difficult for individuals to feel pain or notice injuries. As a result, minor cuts or blisters can go unnoticed and untreated, eventually developing into ulcers.
  2. Poor Circulation: High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels, leading to poor circulation. Inadequate blood flow can prevent oxygen and essential nutrients from reaching the extremities, slowing down the healing process of wounds and increasing the risk of infection.
  3. Weakened Immune System: Diabetes can weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections. This compromised immune response increases the risk of infections in ulcers, which can complicate healing and lead to more severe health issues.

Prevention and Management

Managing diabetes effectively is crucial in preventing the development of leg ulcers. Here are some strategies to consider:

  • Regular Foot Care: Individuals with diabetes should perform daily foot checks to identify any cuts, blisters, or signs of infection early.
  • Control Blood Sugar Levels: Maintaining blood sugar levels within a target range can reduce the risk of complications that lead to ulcers.
  • Use Appropriate Footwear: Wearing well-fitting shoes that protect the feet can help prevent injuries that may develop into ulcers.

Recognizing the symptoms and understanding the connection between diabetes and leg ulcers is vital for early intervention and effective management. By taking proactive steps to manage diabetes and monitor foot health, individuals can reduce their risk of developing leg ulcers and maintain a better quality of life. Don’t wait! Call Avis vascular centre and discuss your concerns with our expert doctors.

Leg ulcers
admin Vascular Diseases

Leg Ulcers – Types of Ulcers, Their Causes, Treatment Options and Means of Prevention

Ulcers are body sores that are caused due to breaks in the skin or the mucous lining. These take enormous time to heal and often keep returning back thus leading to chronic ulceration.

Ulcers can occur anywhere on the inside or outside of the body but leg ulcers are the most common, painful, and unpleasant form of ulcers found on the skin. These affect the lower region of the legs along with the feet and are caused due to poor blood circulation owing to injuries, infections, diabetes, certain skin diseases, tumours, or even vascular diseases like stroke, heart attack, angina, etc.

Types and Causes

  1. Diabetic Ulcers – Also called neuropathic ulcers, these are found on the under surface of the foot, under the fingers and under the toes. Patients with years of diabetic history develop poor blood circulation and loss of sensation due to nerve damage that leads to pressure ulcers.
  2. Arterial Ulcers – These occur on the tips of the fingers or the tips of the toes that become black, ugly, dry and edged out. Patients who have an arterial disease and get an injury that does not heal develop arterial ulcers over time.
  3. Venous Ulcers – These ulcers are very painful and occur around the medial or lateral part of the ankle. Most commonly found in patients with varicose veins, these are black in colour and are accompanied by massive fluid discharge.

Prevention

Leg ulcers are mainly caused due to improper blood circulation in the legs and feet. Hence, eating a balanced diet with low fat intake and regular exercise to enhance movement of the calf muscles is the best form of prevention.

Also, addressing any health issues like obesity, diabetes or varicose veins that are a leading cause of leg and foot ulcers can help in early detection of the symptoms and thus prevention of ulceration. In some patients with varicose veins, doctors may also recommend using the compression stockings on a daily basis to prevent leg ulcers.

Diagnosis

Patients can self-diagnose the case of leg ulceration if they notice redness or swelling on the skin around the ulcer, foul smell, ever-growing pain, green unpleasant discharge, and/or high temperature.

In most cases, doctors are able to rightly determine the type of the leg ulcer by merely analyzing its location and appearance. To evaluate the severity of restricted blood flow due to ulceration, doctors may compare blood pressure in legs to that in the patient’s arms. Furthermore, examinations like the Duplex Ultrasound can help bring to notice any medical issues of serious concern.

Treatment

The experienced team of doctors led by Dr. Rajah V Koppala at Avis hospitals has aided a record number of patients complaining of the most difficult types of leg ulcers. Before any form of treatment, they understand the cause of leg ulceration and treat not just the ulcers but also suggest the medical regime to cure the underlying cause.

While wound cleaning and anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed to almost all patients, some may need to undergo vascular surgery as well. For irregular blood flow to the vessels in the leg, the doctors at Avis Hospitals perform angioplasty stent to repair it. There is also a cure for patients suffering from leg ulcers due to diabetes or varicose veins where blood is restricted from coming back.

Avis Hospitals cure an average of 75-80 leg ulceration patients every month and have a huge array of happy patients who are satisfied with the offered treatment. If you have early symptoms of leg ulcers or are already in pain, book an appointment with Dr. Rajah V Koppala for world-class treatment.