Condition
Venous Leg Ulcers
A venous leg ulcer is an open, slow-to-heal wound, usually near the inner ankle, caused by long-standing vein valve failure. It is the most advanced stage of venous disease, and the key to healing it, and keeping it from coming back, is treating the underlying reflux.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Roger Eduardo, MD, FASMBS, Board-Certified General Surgeon. Last reviewed August 2026.
Book a consultation →Understanding Venous Leg Ulcers
Venous ulcers form when years of venous hypertension damage the skin near the ankle until it breaks down. These wounds are often painful, can weep fluid, and tend to recur if only the wound is treated while the underlying vein problem is ignored.
Modern care pairs wound management and compression with minimally invasive closure of the refluxing vein driving the pressure. Closing the source vein is what gives these ulcers a durable chance to heal and sharply lowers the odds they return.
Symptoms
What it can feel like
- ◆An open sore or wound, usually near the inner ankle.
- ◆Surrounding skin that is discolored, hardened or itchy.
- ◆Weeping or drainage from the wound.
- ◆Aching, swelling and heaviness in the leg.
- ◆A wound that heals slowly or keeps coming back.
Causes
What drives it
- ◆Advanced chronic venous insufficiency and venous hypertension.
- ◆Long-standing untreated venous reflux.
- ◆Prior deep vein thrombosis.
- ◆Swelling and skin changes that progress to breakdown.
When to seek care
A leg wound that will not heal, or keeps returning, needs prompt evaluation. Treating the vein reflux behind it is often the missing piece. Signs of infection, spreading redness, fever or increasing pain warrant urgent care.
How we treat Venous Leg Ulcers
Care begins with the right diagnosis, then a plan matched to you by one physician who follows you through it.
Venous reflux evaluation
Ultrasound identifies the refluxing vein driving the ulcer.
Learn more →Radiofrequency ablation
Closing the source vein relieves the pressure so the wound can heal.
Learn more →VenaSeal
A minimally invasive closure of the failing vein.
Learn more →Varithena
Microfoam closure for winding source veins.
Learn more →Condition FAQ
Venous Leg Ulcers: common questions
Can't find your answer here? Call us at (470) 742-1832 or book a consultation, we'll answer every question before you commit to anything.
Venous leg ulcers are driven by underlying vein valve failure and high venous pressure. Wound care and compression help, but if the refluxing vein is not addressed, the pressure remains and the ulcer often will not heal or keeps returning. Closing the source vein is usually the missing step.
Closing the refluxing vein that is causing the pressure, combined with wound care and compression, gives venous ulcers a durable chance to heal and greatly reduces the risk they come back. This is the modern standard of care.
Because a venous ulcer is a medical condition rather than a cosmetic one, evaluation and treatment of the underlying reflux are typically covered when your plan's criteria are met. We verify your specific benefits before anything is scheduled, and we never promise coverage we have not confirmed for your plan. We verify your benefits and coordinate your care.
Start your journey
Concerned about venous leg ulcers?
Book a consultation with Dr. Eduardo for a clear diagnosis and a plan matched to you.
