Anyone can be afflicted with a leg ulcer, e.g. after a blow or bump. Normally, the ulcer will heal like any other wound on the body. The meaning of a leg ulcer is usually a wound that either will not heal or has difficulties in doing so. Not rarely, a leg ulcer will reappear after having healed. This is caused by an underlying circulatory problem.
When the skin on the lower legs are not sufficiently oxygenated, its ability to heal is reduced. The skin will have a dry, scaly, eczematous look with cracks, and wounds will develop very easily - sometimes completely spontaneously, other times as a consequence of just having scratched your leg. In relation to a leg ulcer, tenderness, pain, and oedema can occur. If left untreated, leg ulcers can result in gangrene which, at worst, can lead to amputation. For this reason, it will be a good idea to take these wounds seriously right from the start.
Arterial disease
If the wounds are caused by arterial disease in the arteries that are to deliver oxygenated blood to the legs, they usually occur around the back of the foot, ankle, and the lower part of the lower leg. The wounds are usually deep and sharply delimited with a crust that is covered with infection. These kinds of wounds are often painful.
The cause of an arterial disease is most often atherosclerosis.
Venous disease
If the wounds are caused by venous disease in the veins that are to lead the deoxidized blood away from the legs - which is the most common cause - this will result in a more superficial wound, often by the inner side of the ankle. These wounds are rarely painful.
The cause of venous disease is most often dysfunctioning venous valves affected by blood clots, phlebitis, or prolonged strain in the area.
