Venous Ulcer Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore

Are you struggling with a leg sore that won’t heal? It may be more than a simple scrape—it could be a venous ulcer. These wounds, often near the ankle, result from poor blood circulation. When veins are weakened, blood pools, raising pressure and damaging the skin—eventually creating an open, stubborn sore.

Spotting signs early prevents complications. In this article, we discuss key warning signs, how venous ulcers develop, how they differ from arterial ulcers, and effective treatments. Recognizing early signs helps start your recovery.

What Is A Venous Ulcer?

A venous ulcer, also known as a venous leg ulcer, is a long-lasting sore that typically occurs on the lower leg, between the knee and ankle. It’s the most common type of leg ulcer and is mainly caused by poor blood circulation. This happens when the small valves in your leg veins, which normally help blood flow back up to the heart against gravity, become damaged.

Venous reflux, or backward blood flow, causes blood to pool in the lower legs. This raises pressure, damages vessels, and leads to swelling, skin damage, and eventually an ulcer.

Venous Stasis Ulcer: The Medical Perspective

From a medical perspective, the term “venous stasis ulcer” refers to the same condition as a venous ulcer. Venous stasis means that blood flow in the veins is stagnant, or not moving well. The name focuses on the circulatory cause rather than describing a different type of ulcer.

Healthcare providers use specific codes for medical records and billing. For example, they might use ICD-10 code I87.319. The ICD-10 is an international medical classification system. This code stands for ‘chronic venous hypertension with ulcer.’ Chronic venous hypertension means persistent high blood pressure in the veins. These codes identify the ulcer’s location and severity, ensuring precise diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Arterial Ulcer Vs Venous Ulcer: Key Difference You Should Know

Distinguishing venous from arterial ulcers is critical. These ulcers have different causes and require different treatments. Misdiagnosis can lead to ineffective care and delayed healing.

• Venous ulcers result from damaged veins and poor circulation. They’re usually shallow and irregular, with a wet or weeping appearance. The skin around them is often discolored, swollen, and warm.
• Arterial ulcers develop from blocked arteries, limiting oxygen-rich blood flow to the legs. These ulcers often appear deep with clear, “punched-out” edges. The wound bed is usually pale or black, with minimal drainage. The surrounding skin might be cool, shiny, and hairless.

Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore

Early detection prevents complications. If you notice any of these indications, consult a healthcare provider.

Persistent Leg Swelling And Heaviness

Persistent swelling (also called edema) in the lower legs and ankles is an early sign of chronic venous insufficiency—when veins cannot effectively return blood to the heart. Edema occurs when fluid leaks from high-pressure veins into surrounding tissues. Legs might feel tired, heavy, or achy, especially after sitting or standing for a long time.

Skin Discoloration And Thickening Around The Ankles

When blood pools in the lower legs, red blood cells can break down and release a pigment called hemosiderin. This stains the skin a reddish-brown color, a condition known as venous statis dermatitis. It’s a clear sign of advanced vein issues. Chronic inflammation can also occur. Over time, this makes the skin hard, thick, and leathery. This change is called lipodermatosclerosis.  

Itching, Burning, Or Aching Pain In The Lower Legs

Before an ulcer appears, the affected skin often becomes intensely itchy, or you might feel burning or aching. This discomfort stems from ongoing inflammation and tissue damage just beneath the surface.

Open Sores That Don’t Heal Within Weeks

A venous ulcer is defined by failing to heal. Any break in the lower leg’s skin that doesn’t improve within a few weeks could turn into an ulcer. Such wounds often remain stuck in the inflammatory phase and need specialized care.

Fluid Drainage, Crusting, Or Odor From The Wound

The ulcers often cause heavy drainage, making wounds look wet and crusted. Infection can change the drainage’s color or smell, needing prompt medical attention.