A guide supporting you in promoting the management of leg ulcers!

Venous leg ulcers are caused by venous insufficiency, which means that the venous valves in the legs have been damaged and are not functioning normally. The venous valves are designed to help push blood and lymph around the body in a constantly circulating flow. Dysfunctional venous valves mean that a significant portion of fluid remains in the lower limbs, which results in oedema – a visible swelling caused by a build-up of fluid.

Oedema and increased pressure in the lower legs leads to the skin being damaged from the inside and the potential for ulceration. External factors, such as a blow or impact to a lower leg with venous insufficiency, may also cause an exuding wound to develop. The fluid, known as exudate, leaks from the wound and a hard-to-heal, exuding venous ulcer forms.