Dealing with a Venous Stasis Ulcer? Here’s What to Do Next

If you’ve noticed a slow-healing sore or wound on your lower leg—especially around the ankle or shin—you may have a venous stasis ulcer. These ulcers develop when poor circulation from underlying vein disease causes pressure, fluid buildup, and eventually, skin breakdown.

Venous ulcers can be painful, frustrating, and difficult to manage without the right treatment. But with early care and the proper approach, these ulcers can heal, and recurrence can be prevented.

In this guide, we’ll explain what causes venous stasis ulcers, how to treat them, and what steps you can take to support healing and prevent future wounds.

What Is a Venous Stasis Ulcer?

A venous stasis ulcer (also known as a venous leg ulcer) is an open wound that develops due to chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)—a condition where damaged vein valves in the legs fail to circulate blood properly back to the heart. This leads to fluid pooling in the lower legs, increased pressure, and eventually skin breakdown.

Common Signs of a Venous Ulcer:

• Open sore or wound, usually on the inner leg above the ankle
• Red, brown, or discolored skin around the ulcer
• Leg swelling or heaviness
• Itching, burning, or aching pain
• Crusty, weeping skin
• Wound that doesn't heal within 2–4 weeks

Venous ulcers account for up to 80% of all leg ulcers, especially in people with a history of varicose veins, leg swelling, or previous vein problems.

What Causes Venous Stasis Ulcers?

Venous ulcers occur when:

• Vein valves weaken or are damaged
• Blood flows backward and pools in the legs
• Pressure builds in the lower veins (venous hypertension)
• Skin becomes fragile and breaks down

Risk Factors:

• History of varicose veins or blood clots
• Obesity or sedentary lifestyle
• Standing or sitting for long periods
• Older age
• Previous leg trauma or surgery
• Smoking or diabetes
• Chronic swelling (edema)

What to Do If You Have a Venous Stasis Ulcer

If you suspect or know you have a venous ulcer, early and comprehensive care is key to avoiding complications like infection, deep wounds, or long-term scarring.

Here’s what you should do:

1. Seek Prompt Medical Attention

The first step is to see a vein specialist, wound care provider, or vascular expert. They will assess your ulcer, determine its cause, and create a treatment plan to promote healing and manage underlying vein disease.

Don’t delay—the longer an ulcer goes untreated, the more difficult it is to heal.

2. Use Compression Therapy (If Appropriate)

Compression stockings or bandages are the cornerstone of venous ulcer treatment. They reduce swelling, improve blood return, and decrease pressure in the veins—allowing the ulcer to heal.

Types of compression:

• Graduated compression stockings (20–40 mmHg)
• Multi-layer compression wraps
• Unna boots (zinc-impregnated bandages)

Important: If you have peripheral artery disease (PAD), compression must be used with caution. Your provider should check for adequate arterial circulation first.

3. Keep the Wound Clean and Protected

Daily wound care is essential. Your provider may:

• Cleanse the ulcer with sterile solution
• Apply appropriate dressings to promote moist wound healing
• Debride (remove) dead tissue as needed
• Monitor for signs of infection

Signs of infection include:

• Increased redness, swelling, or pain
• Pus or foul odor
• Fever or chills
• Ulcer getting larger or deeper

If infection is present, oral or topical antibiotics may be prescribed.

4. Elevate Your Legs Regularly

Leg elevation helps reduce swelling and venous pressure. Try to elevate your legs:

• Above heart level for 30–60 minutes, 2–4 times per day
• On pillows while sleeping or resting
• Avoid sitting with feet on the floor for long periods

5. Address the Underlying Venous Disease

To prevent the ulcer from recurring, the root cause—chronic venous insufficiency—must be treated. A vein specialist can perform a duplex ultrasound to evaluate blood flow and valve function in your leg veins.

Modern treatments to improve circulation include:

Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT) or Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

• Minimally invasive procedures that close off damaged veins using heat
• Performed in-office with little downtime

Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy

• Injects a solution into abnormal veins to collapse them

VenaSeal™ Closure System

• Uses medical adhesive to close diseased veins with no heat or tumescent anesthesia

These procedures help restore normal blood flow, reduce swelling, and significantly lower the chance of another ulcer forming.

6. Support Healing Through Nutrition and Lifestyle

Healing requires nutrients, circulation, and cellular repair. Support your recovery by:

Nutrition Tips:

• Eat a high-protein diet (chicken, fish, legumes, eggs)
• Increase vitamin C, zinc, and omega-3s (helps tissue repair and reduce inflammation)
• Stay hydrated
• Avoid excess sugar and processed foods

Lifestyle Tips:

• Avoid smoking—it impairs circulation and wound healing
• Get light activity (walking improves calf muscle pump)
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on leg veins

7. Use Topical or Advanced Therapies When Indicated

Some ulcers may benefit from advanced wound care options:

• Hydrocolloid or silver-impregnated dressings
• Biological skin grafts or growth factor treatments
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (for hard-to-heal wounds)
• Low-level light therapy (LLLT) or red light therapy to stimulate healing and blood flow

Can Venous Ulcers Come Back?

Yes—without treating the underlying vein disease and maintaining proper care, venous ulcers have a high recurrence rate. But with long-term management, recurrence can be significantly reduced.

Prevention Tips:

• Continue wearing compression stockings daily
• Elevate legs when resting
• Treat varicose veins early
• Stay active and avoid long periods of sitting or standing

When to Call a Doctor

You should contact a medical provider if:

• The ulcer is not healing or getting worse
• You notice signs of infection
• You have increased pain, swelling, or redness
• You experience fever or chills
• You develop new ulcers or leg wounds

Prompt care prevents complications like cellulitis, sepsis, or deep vein thrombosis.

Final Thoughts: Healing Is Possible with the Right Support

A venous stasis ulcer may seem daunting, but you are not alone—and healing is absolutely possible. With proper wound care, compression, and treatment of the underlying vein dysfunction, most ulcers can heal completely and stay gone.

Don’t settle for temporary solutions or wait until the problem gets worse. Early treatment improves your chances of full healing, comfort, and confidence.

At Sheen Vein & Cosmetics, We Specialize in Ulcer Healing and Vein Health

Our team offers comprehensive care for venous ulcers—from expert wound management to advanced vein procedures that fix the root cause. We combine modern medicine with personalized care to help you heal faster and prevent recurrence.

Schedule a consultation today and take your first step toward healing, relief, and restored leg health.

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