What causes venous ulcers?
Your veins contain tiny valves that keep blood circulating throughout your body. These valves snap open and shut to move blood against the force of gravity back to your heart. In some people, venous diseases affect valve functioning. Other medical conditions, like diabetes, can also put you at risk for leg and foot ulcers.
What types of venous disease cause venous stasis ulcers?
Chronic venous insufficiency is a common cause of valve dysfunction. It occurs when your valves are damaged or too weak to do their job.
Other venous ulcer causes include:
Who gets venous ulcers?
A variety of factors can raise your risk of venous ulcers. They include:
What do venous ulcers look and feel like?
They’re often shallow, irregularly shaped sores. The skin surrounding the stasis ulcer may be hard and discolored.
Symptoms of venous ulcers include
- Dull ache.
- Foul odor.
- Itching.
- Pus or other fluid that oozes from the sore.
- Swelling (edema).