A leg ulcer is an area of damaged skin on the lower leg or foot. Leg ulcers can often be unsightly, painful and slow to heal. If you have a wound on your leg which is not getting better you should see your doctor or nurse as soon as possible.
What causes leg ulcers?
The most common cause of leg ulcers is venous disease. This occurs when the veins have become damaged and the blood flow in the leg is affected. This causes a rise in pressure in the small blood vessels and veins and allows fluid to build up. This fluid eventually leaks out of the vein and into the surrounding skin, making the leg swollen. If the swelling in the leg becomes too great, a leg ulcer can form after a simple knock or scratch that damages the skin. Leg ulcers which form as a result of venous disease are known as venous leg ulcers.
Leg ulcers can also form as a result of arterial disease – these are known as arterial leg ulcers. Some people suffer from leg ulcers that form as the result of both venous and arterial disease. The underlying cause of a leg ulcer is important because the recommended treatments are different.
How common are leg ulcers?
Venous leg ulcers affect 1–2% of the population and it is estimated that 10 out of every 1000 people in the UK will suffer leg ulceration at some point in their life. Anyone can get a venous leg ulcer, but it does become more common as people get older. There are a number of factors which might make you more likely to develop a venous leg ulcer. Some of these are listed below.
Varicose veins
Rheumatoid arthritis
Deep vein thrombosis
Lack of mobility
Family history of venous leg ulcers
Obesity
Previous injury to the leg
Leg ulcers can have a major effect on a person's quality of life. They might lead to time off work, lack of mobility, pain, and difficulty sleeping. If you think you might have a leg ulcer you should see your doctor or nurse immediately.
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