Leg Ulcers: Causes, Risk Factors and Symptoms

Leg ulcers are open, non-healing wounds that develop on the lower leg or around the ankle due to impaired blood circulation. They most commonly occur when veins in the legs fail to return blood efficiently to the heart, leading to increased pressure in the veins and reduced oxygen supply to the skin. Over time, this causes the skin to break down, resulting in a chronic wound that heals slowly.

• Open sores that do not heal for weeks or months
• Most commonly located near the ankles
• Irregular wound edges
• Surrounding skin discoloration or thickening
• Associated with long-standing circulation problems

Leg ulcers often persist without proper vascular management and may recur even after initial healing if the underlying cause is not addressed.

Understanding what varicose veins are helps patients recognise early symptoms and seek timely medical guidance. Early diagnosis prevents the condition from progressing and protects overall vein health.

Leg ulcers develop when prolonged circulation problems reduce blood flow to the skin and underlying tissues. In most cases, this is due to venous insufficiency, where blood pools in the leg veins instead of flowing upward. The increased pressure damages small blood vessels and skin tissue, eventually leading to ulcer formation.

• Chronic venous insufficiency
• Prolonged increased pressure in leg veins
• Reduced oxygen delivery to skin tissues
• Damage to small blood vessels over time

These causes gradually weaken the skin’s ability to repair itself, making even minor injuries progress into long-standing ulcers.

Certain individuals are more likely to develop leg ulcers due to long-term circulation stress or underlying health conditions. While risk factors do not directly cause ulcers, they significantly increase susceptibility.

• Long-standing varicose veins
• Previous episodes of leg ulcers
• Increasing age
• Limited mobility
• History of leg swelling

Recognising these risk factors early allows preventive strategies to be implemented before ulcers develop or recur.

Symptoms of leg ulcers extend beyond the wound itself and often include surrounding skin changes. These symptoms may worsen gradually and are often more noticeable after prolonged standing.

• An open wound that does not heal
• Persistent pain or tenderness around the ulcer
• Swelling of the lower leg or ankle
• Skin darkening or hardening near the wound
• Fluid discharge from the ulcer

As symptoms progress, infection risk increases, making timely medical evaluation important.