Venous Leg Ulcers

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An ulcer is a non-healing sore in the skin. Most people associate leg ulcers with diabetes or arterial disease. The fact is that more than 70% of leg ulcers are caused by vein problems. Over time, chronic venous disease can cause skin changes and skin breakdowns, resulting in open sores that are referred to as venous ulcers.

Venous leg ulcers are the main problem to affect individuals with seriously diseased leg veins because they represent a late stage of lower extremity vein disease. They occur in 1% of the population and up to 10% of people who have the post-thrombotic syndrome. They have a serious impact on the individual's quality of life and ability to work.

It has been estimated that the annual cost of caring for a leg ulcer is approximately $20,000 per individual and $1 billion for all patients in the US. Venous ulcers are significant cause of disability in the United States and cause the loss of two million worker days per year. 1 percent of the population has evidence of an active or healed venous ulcer.

For more information about leg ulcers, spider veins, and compression stockings, including how to treat these ailments, contact San Pedro Vein Clinic at (855) 321-3702