Venous ulcers are open wounds that occur typically in the ankles and do not heal on their own. They usually occur when valves in leg veins are damaged and fail to drop blood pressure when you walk (sustained venous hypertension) which may cause ulcers to form on the ankles.

Venous ulcers may also develop when these dysfunctional leg vein valves either allow blood to collect in the lower leg (varicose veins), or do not properly pump blood back up to your heart and swelling occurs (venous insufficiency) which puts severe pressure on the skin.

Professional treatment of a venous ulcer will help it to heal properly and avoid an infection from setting in. Part of your treatment plan may involve cleaning and dressing the ulcer properly, wearing compression socks to stop blood from collecting in the lower legs and reduce swelling, and taking antibiotics to prevent or treat an infection. You may also need to modify your lifestyle to help control the underlying circulation/vein problem by maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and elevating your legs regularly.

If you have poor circulation or an open wound on your ankle, consult with a podiatrist for more in-depth information and treatment options.