Leg and Foot Ulcers
What it is?
A leg ulcer is a break in the continuity of the skin of the leg. It is a fairly common problem that often affects the elderly. Most leg ulcers are due to fluid stagnating in the legs, although they can be due to other causes such as reduced blood supply and primary skin conditions. Some causes of fluid stagnation in the leg are varicose veins, previous blood clots, poor mobility, heart failure, kidney failure and low protein levels.
An ulcer in the foot is often seen in diabetics. This is often due to pressure and rubbing from footwear and compounded by poor circulation and healing.
What are the risks?
Leg ulcers can be weepy, smelly and lead to infection. Sometimes they can be quite painful. They are often a source of embarrassment and low self esteem.
Ulcers of the feet especially in a diabetic can be a very serious problem and lead to major infections that can potentially lead to limb loss.
How is it diagnosed?
Often just a clinical examination is sufficient to diagnose the cause of an ulcer. Sometimes additional tests including a biopsy and angiography may be required.
How is it treated?
Leg ulcers due to fluid build up are treated with regular compression bandaging. Ulcers due to poor blood supply may require angiography and operations to improve the blood supply. Foot ulcers are managed by reducing pressure on the area by modifying footwear and interventions to improve the blood supply to aid healing.
A leg ulcer is a break in the continuity of the skin of the leg. It is a fairly common problem that often affects the elderly. Most leg ulcers are due to fluid stagnating in the legs, although they can be due to other causes such as reduced blood supply and primary skin conditions. Some causes of fluid stagnation in the leg are varicose veins, previous blood clots, poor mobility, heart failure, kidney failure and low protein levels.
An ulcer in the foot is often seen in diabetics. This is often due to pressure and rubbing from footwear and compounded by poor circulation and healing.
What are the risks?
Leg ulcers can be weepy, smelly and lead to infection. Sometimes they can be quite painful. They are often a source of embarrassment and low self esteem.
Ulcers of the feet especially in a diabetic can be a very serious problem and lead to major infections that can potentially lead to limb loss.
How is it diagnosed?
Often just a clinical examination is sufficient to diagnose the cause of an ulcer. Sometimes additional tests including a biopsy and angiography may be required.
How is it treated?
Leg ulcers due to fluid build up are treated with regular compression bandaging. Ulcers due to poor blood supply may require angiography and operations to improve the blood supply. Foot ulcers are managed by reducing pressure on the area by modifying footwear and interventions to improve the blood supply to aid healing.