Venous Ulcer Treatment & Care in Rockwall, TX
Venous ulcers are slow-healing open sores that occur because of poor blood circulation in the veins. While these ulcers can appear in other parts of the body, they are most common in the legs. Poor blood circulation in the veins happens when the valves are damaged. Venous ulcers symptoms include:
- Brown or dark skin discoloration
- Leg swelling (edema)
- Itching or aching in the legs
- Hardened skin
- Fluid drainage from the ulcer
- Slow or non-healing wound with irregular edges
The common causes of venous ulcers are varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis. The risk factors include obesity, work that doesn’t involve frequent change of position, and smoking. Pregnant women are also at a higher risk of developing this condition.
Comprehensive Assessment
The right choice of venous ulcer treatment begins with a comprehensive assessment of the condition. It includes:
Patient Evaluation
The medical professional learns about the patient’s medical history and lifestyle. They check for varicose veins, blood clots, or past injuries that may be causing poor blood flow. The evaluation also includes a careful study of all the symptoms.
Wound Assessment
The provider will evaluate the existing ulcer in detail. They check the size, depth, and location, and also look for signs of infection. The provider may take photos and measurements to track the healing process.
Diagnostic Testing
The provider may order a series of tests to see how well blood is flowing. These tests helps check the function of the veins and valves in the legs. The tests are a painless but highly informative way to evaluate the nature of the ulcer..
Advanced Treatment Modalities
Depending on the nature and severity of the ulcer, the provider can recommend several approaches to treating it. They can include:
Compression Therapy
Compression is one of the most important parts of treatment. Special bandages or stockings gently squeeze the legs to help blood move upward and reduce swelling.
Wound Care and Dressings
Keeping the ulcer clean is key to proper healing. Providers use dressings that keep the wound moist and protected from germs. The frequency of changing the dressing depends on the ulcer’s healing rate.
Medications
If the ulcer is infected, these medications typically work well together with compression therapy.
Surgical Interventions
If the ulcer doesn’t heal properly despite all the therapies and medicine, the provider might suggest a surgical intervention. Options include removing damaged veins (vein ablation) or using a skin graft to cover the wound.
Innovative Therapies
As technologies evolve, more therapies emerge to help patients battle venous ulcers faster. Some of them include:
Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT)
This treatment uses a special device that creates gentle suction over the wound. It helps remove extra fluid and increase blood flow. During therapy, the provider places a sponge-like dressing on the ulcer and connects it to a pump that creates negative pressure.
Cellular and Tissue-Based Products
Providers may use bioengineered skin substitutes to help close the ulcer. They are made from human or animal cells and act like real skin. These products help the body grow new tissue that eventually covers the wound.
Personalized Care Plans
Each case of venous ulcer is different. An experienced team of phlebologists can set up a personalized care plan. Besides therapies and medication, it can include:
- Lifestyle Modifications: Recommendations to stay active, lose weight, quit smoking, and avoid long periods of sitting or standing.
- Patient Education: Teaching proper wound care and explaining how to use compression stockings properly.
- Regular Monitoring and Follow-Up: Scheduling routine check-ups to track healing and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
At United Wound Care Centers of Rockwall, we design a personalized care plan for each patient with venous ulcers. We combine state-of-the-art treatments with traditional therapy to achieve the fastest recovery. Contact us to make an appointment and start your venous ulcer treatment today.
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