What are Venous Stasis Ulcers?
When venous insufficiency is left untreated over many years, the constant pressure backup causes worsening edema and poor oxygen supply to the skin. This poor circulation is known as venous stasis. When venous stasis becomes severe, the tissues actually break down, forming an open sore or ulcer. These ulcers are painful, very difficult to treat, and can be present for months or years at a time. Venous stasis ulcers are quite difficult to heal using conventional measures. They usually occur in the lower leg and can range from the size of a penny to completely encircling the leg. They do not occur in all patients with varicose veins. It is impossible to predict which patients will go on to develop this complication.
