What are the causes of venous leg ulcers?
Venous leg ulcers are shallow wounds that form when a person’s veins are damaged and cannot return blood back to the heart. These ulcers are usually found above the ankle and below the calf.DiabetesDiabetes can lead to long-term damage of small blood vessels in the leg. When these vessels rupture and leak blood into the surrounding tissue, venous leg ulcers may develop. Diabetes also causes atherosclerosis (a narrowing of the arteries), another contributing factor to venous leg ulcers.Inflammation and ClottingThrombophlebitis, an inflammation of veins in the leg, can result in venous leg ulcers. Deep vein thrombosis, or blood clotting in the deep veins, also contributes to the formation of leg ulcers.Vascular ProblemsVascular problems such as stroke, angina and heart attack can compromise the circulatory system and result in venous leg ulcers. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is another potential catalyst.Circulatory IssuesSerious circulatory issues may cause leg ulcers
