Venous ulcers

Venous ulcers are slow-healing wounds that usually develop on the lower legs because of problems with blood flow in the veins. When blood pools in the veins instead of moving back toward the heart, it can increase pressure and damage the skin, making wounds harder to heal.

Our team at TidalHealth understands how discouraging it can be when a wound will not heal. While most minor cuts and scratches heal in about two weeks, venous ulcers often require specialized care because of circulation issues or other underlying health conditions.

Symptoms and Diagnosis
Venous ulcers often appear as shallow, painful wounds on the legs or ankles. They may be accompanied by aching, swelling, or skin that feels tight or looks discolored. If you have a wound that has not shown significant improvement within a month, or has not healed after two months, it is important to seek care. At TidalHealth, we begin with a thorough evaluation to understand why a wound is not healing. This may include assessing blood flow and oxygen levels in the affected area and identifying other health concerns that could be slowing recovery.

Treatment and Support
When treating venous ulcers, our specialists develop a care plan based on your individual needs and health history. Treatment options may include:

• Gentle removal of damaged tissue (debridement)
• Specialized dressings to protect the wound and support healing
• Compression therapy to improve blood flow in the veins
• Advanced therapies such as negative pressure or bioengineered tissue, when appropriate
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in some cases to increase oxygen delivery and promote healing
• Support for underlying issues such as infection or nutrition concerns

Throughout treatment, we educate patients and caregivers on proper wound care at home and ways to reduce the risk of future problems. Healing can take time, but with personalized care and support from TidalHealth, many patients experience meaningful improvement and return to daily activities.

What are venous ulcers?
Venous ulcers are wounds that usually develop on the lower legs due to poor blood flow in the veins. They can be slow to heal and may return if the underlying vein condition is not treated.

When should I see a specialist for a venous ulcer?
If a lower leg wound is not improving after one month or has not healed within two months, it is important to contact TidalHealth. Early treatment can help prevent complications and support healing.

How are venous ulcers treated at TidalHealth?
Our specialists perform a thorough evaluation to understand your overall health and the cause of delayed healing. Treatment may include specialized dressings, compression therapy and support for issues such as infection or nutrition. Care plans are tailored to each patient.

Will I need to change my wound dressing at home?
In many cases, yes. Our team will teach you or your caregiver how to manage wound care at home, including changing dressings and protecting the surrounding skin. Guidance is always available between visits.

How can I help my venous ulcer heal?
Attending appointments, following your care plan and reporting any changes in your wound or health are essential. We also encourage patients and families to ask questions at any time, as active involvement plays an important role in healing.