Medical Condition
Venous Leg Ulcers
Open wounds near the ankle caused by long-standing venous hypertension — they need urgent evaluation.
Quick Facts
Common Signs
Open wound near ankle, slow healing, drainage
Often Related To
Advanced chronic venous insufficiency
First Step
Prompt wound and venous evaluation
Insurance
Often covered for medical evaluation and treatment when symptoms and ultrasound findings support medical necessity.
Overview
Venous leg ulcers are open wounds near the ankle that can occur with long-standing venous hypertension. They need prompt medical evaluation.
Common symptoms
- Open wound near ankle
- Slow or non-healing
- Surrounding discoloration
- Drainage or odor
Why it happens
High venous pressure damages skin and impairs healing, especially around the inner ankle.
When to seek evaluation
Right away — venous ulcers need prompt medical care, especially if worsening, painful, draining, or infected.
How we evaluate it
Wound assessment, venous reflux ultrasound, and circulation evaluation.
Treatment options
Wound care, compression, reflux treatment (EVLT, RFA, VenaSeal, Varithena), and follow-up ultrasound.
Urgent evaluation is appropriate. Cosmetic treatment is not the right focus here.
Related treatments
Venous Reflux Ultrasound
Confirms whether vein valves are leaking and which veins are involved.
Learn about Venous Reflux UltrasoundEndovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT)
Refluxing saphenous and tributary veins causing varicose veins or symptoms.
Learn about Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT)Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Refluxing saphenous veins driving varicose veins or leg symptoms.
Learn about Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)Compression Stocking Guidance
Supports vein function before and after treatment, and helps with symptoms.
Learn about Compression Stocking GuidanceFollow-Up Ultrasound
Confirms vein closure and monitors recovery after a procedure.
Learn about Follow-Up UltrasoundFrequently asked questions
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual results vary; results are not guaranteed. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.
Next step
Not sure whether your symptoms are cosmetic or medical?
A vein evaluation can help determine whether reflux, visible veins, or another cause may be involved.