If you’ve been struggling with a wound that just won’t heal, the problem might go deeper than the skin. This is especially true for wounds on the legs, where issues like chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) can slow or even prevent healing.
Here’s how one patient’s story illustrates the importance of diagnosing and treating underlying vein problems to help chronic wounds heal.
In this article
Background
A female patient visited Vein Specialists after dealing with a stubborn wound on her lower leg for 4 months. The wound started as a minor injury – a small wound from closing her car door on her ankle – but it refused to heal despite her best efforts. Over time, her leg became increasingly swollen, making daily life uncomfortable.
Her primary care physician initially suggested that the wound and swelling were just signs of aging. After months without improvement, she saw an orthopedic specialist, who ruled out arthritis and referred her to us for a thorough vein evaluation.
In this article
Clinical Presentation
Using an advanced ultrasound, we found a significant problem: the vein in her leg, called the great saphenous vein, wasn’t working properly. This condition, known as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), was preventing blood from flowing out of her leg as it should. Poor circulation like this can make it much harder for wounds to heal.
Treatment options
Treatment and Outcome
To address the root cause of her issue, we performed a minimally invasive procedure called endovenous ablation. This treatment targeted the faulty vein, improving blood flow and creating the conditions her body needed to heal the wound.
In this article
Discussion
Many patients don’t realize that nonhealing leg wounds – even after weeks or months – could be connected to vein problems. Injuries that seem minor, like small cuts, scrapes or bumps can turn into bigger issues when veins aren’t working properly.
Even cosmetic procedures or prolonged periods of sitting and standing can contribute to non-healing wounds if your vein health is compromised.
If you have a wound on your leg that hasn’t healed in two weeks, it might be time to consider an evaluation for venous disease. Treatments like endovenous ablation can effectively address underlying vein problems, helping your wound heal faster and improving your quality of life.
Don’t ignore wounds that won’t heal, especially on your legs. CVI is a common but often overlooked cause. A vein evaluation can provide answers and lead to effective vein treatment options that quickly get you back to feeling your best.
