The natural history of the disease is of a continuous cycle of healing and breakdown over decades and chronic venous leg ulcers are associated with considerable morbidity and impaired quality of life (1).
Venous ulcers are usually found within the "gaiter" region of the lower leg, characteristically around the malleoli (2). If ulcers are present above the mid calf or on the foot, it is most likely to be due to some other aetiology.
Signs of venous ulcers usually vary according to the severity of the condition.
Ulcers are usually irregular and shallow.
Venous ulcers may be painful
Arterial disease should be excluded by:
Reference:
1. Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) 2010. Management of chronic venous leg ulcers
2. Grey JE, Harding KG, Enoch S. Venous and arterial leg ulcers. BMJ. 2006;332(7537):347-50.
3. Collins L, Seraj S. Diagnosis and treatment of venous ulcers. Am Fam Physician. 2010;81(8):989-96.
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