What Causes Leg Ulcers?

A leg ulcer is a condition where open wounds or sores that develop on an individual's leg that may be chronic and causes the ulcers to develop frequently. An individual affected by leg ulcers may experience symptoms such as pus in at the ulcer site, increasing wound size, enlarged veins, pain at the ulcer site, heaviness in the legs, and swelling in the legs. Medical history, physical examination, CT scan, MRI scan, vascular ultrasound, and x-rays may be used to diagnose leg ulcers. The main concern when it comes to leg ulcers is the risk of developing an infection in the wound that progresses to a life-threatening blood infection. Treatment of leg ulcers includes the use of antibiotics, compression bandages, topical ointments, orthotics or braces, circulation-improving medications, acetylsalicylic acid, diet changes, and other measures that help prevent complications.