Under the expert guidance of our Board Certified Vascular Surgeon, Dr. Mark Zuzga, our team of Vein Specialists & Vascular Experts are committed to delivering top-tier outpatient vascular & vein evaluation and treatment throughout the greater Tampa & West Florida surrounding areas. Should you find yourself dealing with leg pain, swelling, ulcers, discoloration, or the appearance of spider and varicose veins, we invite you to request a screening todayWhat You Need to Know About Venous Stasis Ulcers
What You Need to Know About Venous Stasis Ulcers
Venous stasis is a form of dermatitis that happens when there is damage to keep the blood from pumping through your lower leg veins as it should. When excess fluid and pressure build up what can happen in extreme cases is that the blood pools and begins to leak out of your veins to the tissue surrounding.
This may also sometimes be referred to as Venous eczema. It is most commonly seen in those over 50 and women present with it more often than men. While medical treatment can help there are some things you can do yourself to help on a preventative level.
Look for the signs: Swelling in the ankles is sign #1. It may seem to get better after a good night of rest but then returns during the day as you are active with your legs becoming more heavy and more difficult to walk comfortably.
Other symptoms can include:
- Varicose veins
- Pain
- Itching
- Thickening skin
- Hair loss on legs
- Skin colorings: red, yellow, brown spots
- Sores that ooze, crust over, or look scaly are a telltale sign
The underlying cause of Venous Stasis
Lack of circulation. Blood doesn’t flow back up to the heart as it is intended to. This is known as venous insufficiency and it can lead to vein disease. This lack of flow can cause pressure to build up, swelling, and pain are the result, eventual pooling and ulcerations may result.
Risk Factors include:
- Multiple pregnancies
- Injuries to the area directly
- Varicose veins
- High blood pressure
- Being very overweight
- Kidney failure
- Congestive heart failure
- Past surgery in the area
- Sitting or standing for extended time periods
- Lack of movement and exercise
What you can do at home to help stave off or help with current circulation issues
- Invest in a few good pair of compression stockings – they can help with blood flow and ease swelling.
- Walk often. Standing or sitting for too long can cause stagnation.
- Elevate your feet above your heart – if you can do it every 2 hours for 15 minutes that is ideal but get in as much as you can daily.
To treat redness or pain your Vein Specialist may give you a steroid or other medication to apply to the area. Antihistamine pills may help relieve itch. Moisturizers help with dry cracked skin as well. Make sure to choose one with no dyes or perfumes.
If you are in pain, please don’t wait it out if things don’t seem to be getting better with at home care. Call Dr. Mark Zuzga, D.O. at the office of the West Florida Vein Center in Safety Harbor, Florida. www.westfloridaveincenter.com serving the Tampa Bay area. 727-712-3233.