Varicose veins are often dismissed as a cosmetic concern, but in reality, they indicate underlying venous circulation problems, says Dr. Ashish Dhadas, leading varicose veins specialist in Mumbai at Surekha Varicose Veins Clinic. If left untreated, varicose veins can progress into a serious and painful condition known as venous leg ulcers. Understanding the connection between varicose veins and venous ulcers is crucial for early treatment and long-term prevention.
Venous leg ulcers are open, slow-healing wounds, usually found near the ankles or lower legs. They are caused by chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and can significantly affect mobility, comfort, and quality of life.
Understanding Varicose Veins and Venous Circulation
Healthy veins carry blood from the legs back to the heart with the help of one-way valves. These valves prevent blood from flowing backward due to gravity.
In people with varicose veins, these valves become weak or damaged, causing blood to pool in the veins instead of flowing upward efficiently. This leads to venous hypertension, or increased pressure inside the veins.
Over time, this sustained pressure damages surrounding tissues and disrupts normal blood circulation, creating conditions that can lead to skin damage and venous ulcers.
What Are Venous Leg Ulcers?
A venous leg ulcer is a chronic open wound caused by long-standing venous disease. Unlike normal wounds, venous ulcers heal slowly because poor circulation limits oxygen and nutrient delivery to the skin.
These ulcers commonly develop:
- Around the inner ankle
- On the lower leg
- In areas where varicose veins are prominent
Venous ulcers tend to recur unless the underlying vein problem is treated.
How Varicose Veins Progress to Venous Leg Ulcers
Persistent High Venous Pressure
Varicose veins cause prolonged pressure in leg veins. This pressure forces fluid and inflammatory cells into surrounding tissues, making the skin fragile and prone to breakdown.
Reduced Oxygen Supply to the Skin
Poor blood flow leads to chronic hypoxia, meaning the skin receives insufficient oxygen and nutrients. This weakens the skin and delays healing.
Skin and Tissue Damage
Advanced venous disease causes visible skin changes, including:
- Dark skin discoloration (hyperpigmentation)
- Thickened or hardened skin (lipodermatosclerosis)
- Itching and venous eczema
These changes are strong warning signs of impending ulcer formation.
Inflammation and Poor Healing
Inflammation damages tiny blood vessels in the skin, impairing the healing process. Even small cuts or scratches can gradually turn into chronic venous leg ulcers.
Early Warning Signs Before an Ulcer Develops
Venous leg ulcers rarely appear suddenly. Common warning signs include:
- Persistent leg swelling, especially by evening
- Leg heaviness or aching
- Skin darkening near the ankles
- Itching, dryness, or eczema-like rashes
- Hardening of skin around the lower legs
Consulting a varicose veins specialist at this stage can prevent ulcer formation.
Why Venous Leg Ulcers Are Difficult to Heal
Venous leg ulcers heal slowly because the root cause of poor venous circulation continues to exist.
Key reasons for delayed healing include:
- Ongoing venous hypertension
- Chronic inflammation
- Reduced immunity in affected tissues
- Repeated swelling that reopens healing wounds
Without proper vein treatment, ulcers can persist for months or even years.
Who Is at Higher Risk of Venous Leg Ulcers?
People at increased risk include:
- Individuals with long-standing varicose veins
- Patients with a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- People who stand or sit for long hours
- Older adults
- Individuals with obesity
- Patients with limited mobility
Pregnancy and genetic factors can also increase the risk of chronic venous disease.
Role of Varicose Vein Treatment in Preventing Ulcers
Early treatment of varicose veins plays a vital role in preventing venous leg ulcers. Modern minimally invasive varicose vein treatments effectively reduce venous pressure and improve blood flow.
Common treatment options provided by Surekha Varicose Veins Clinic at Mumbai are:
- Endovenous laser treatment (EVLT)
- Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
- Sclerotherapy
- Compression therapy
- Specialized venous ulcer wound care
According to Dr. Ashish Dhadas, leading varicose veins specialist in Mumbai at Surekha Varicose Veins Clinic, treating the root venous problem is essential for long-term ulcer healing and prevention of recurrence.
Importance of Lifestyle Changes
In addition to medical treatment, lifestyle modifications help slow disease progression:
- Regular walking to activate the calf muscle pump
- Elevating legs to reduce swelling
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Wearing prescribed compression stockings
- Avoiding prolonged standing or sitting
These steps help lower venous pressure and support skin healing.
When to See a Doctor
Seek immediate medical attention if:
- A leg wound does not heal within 2–3 weeks
- There is increasing pain, redness, or discharge
- Swelling worsens despite elevation
- Skin around the wound becomes hard or dark
Early evaluation by a varicose veins doctor in Mumbai can prevent serious complications such as infection, scarring, and recurrent ulcers.
Conclusion
Varicose veins are not just a cosmetic issue, they are a sign of chronic venous dysfunction that can progress to serious complications like venous leg ulcers if ignored. This progression is gradual but highly preventable with early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and lifestyle changes.
Addressing varicose veins early not only improves appearance but restores healthy circulation, protects the skin, and prevents chronic wounds. If you notice persistent leg swelling, skin changes, or visible varicose veins, consult an experienced specialist like Dr. Ashish Dhadas at Surekha Varicose Veins Clinic for timely care and long-term leg health.