A leg ulcer is a chronic, slow-healing sore that typically takes more than two weeks to heal. Most commonly developing on the lower leg between the knee and the ankle, these ulcers are not just surface wounds—they are outward signs of serious underlying circulatory problems. At Memphis Vein Center, we specialize in advanced wound care and vascular treatments designed to heal stubborn ulcers, relieve your pain, and prevent them from returning.
Led by Dr. Kishore K. Arcot—a multi-board-certified specialist in cardiology, vascular medicine, and venous disorders—our center provides the dedicated, expert care necessary to treat the root cause of chronic sores and protect your long-term mobility.
Leg ulcers most frequently develop when persistently high pressure in the blood vessels damages and weakens the surrounding skin. While minor injuries like a scrape, scratch, or insect bite often trigger the initial sore, poor circulation prevents the body from delivering the oxygen and nutrients required to heal it.
The most common types of leg ulcers include:
Venous Leg Ulcers: Accounting for more than 60% of all cases, these are caused by poor blood circulation in the veins (venous insufficiency). When vein valves fail, blood pools in the lower leg, increasing pressure until the skin breaks down into an open sore.
Arterial Leg Ulcers: Caused by narrowed or blocked arteries (Peripheral Artery Disease, or PAD) that starve the tissues of oxygen-rich blood. These typically develop on the feet, heels, or toes.
Diabetic Leg & Foot Ulcers: Arising from nerve damage and poor circulation associated with high blood sugar, making small foot injuries highly susceptible to becoming deep, dangerous wounds.
Your risk of developing a venous leg ulcer increases significantly with age. You are also at a much higher risk if you have a history of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), severe varicose veins, obesity, a recent leg surgery (such as a knee or hip replacement), or mobility limitations due to arthritis or injury.
Leg ulcers can be highly uncomfortable and require specialized clinical management. Common symptoms include:
An open sore surrounded by discolored, dark, or hardened skin
Swelling, persistent itching, and a heavy ache in the affected leg
A wound bed that may produce a foul-smelling discharge or fluid leakage
Increased pain or a warm sensation if the ulcer becomes infected
Chronic, untreated leg ulcers can become severely infected, spreading to deep tissues or bone. Because these ulcers are rooted in poor circulation, they will rarely heal on their own. Unless the underlying vascular disease is addressed, there is an exceptionally high risk of the ulcer continuously returning or worsening over time.
To heal a leg ulcer permanently, we must first identify exactly which blood vessels are malfunctioning. Memphis Vein Center provides rapid, non-invasive diagnostic testing right in our office:
Vascular & Venous Ultrasound: Dr. Arcot utilizes advanced ultrasound technology to evaluate the blood flow in both your arteries and veins. This painless test maps out leaking vein valves, pinpoints arterial blockages, and checks for dangerous, hidden blood clots (DVT) to ensure we treat the precise source of your circulatory issue.
Most venous leg ulcers can be successfully resolved within a few months when treated by a highly trained specialist. Dr. Arcot combines advanced wound care with targeted, minimally invasive endovascular treatments to fix the underlying circulation and provide lasting relief:
Specialized Compression Therapy: Utilizing medical-grade compression stockings, bandages, or wraps to reduce pressure, manage leg swelling, and instantly improve upward blood flow to accelerate healing.
Advanced Wound Care: Thorough cleaning, specialized dressings, and infection management to protect the ulcerated tissue as it repairs.
Endovenous Thermal Ablation: If leaking varicose veins are the root cause, Dr. Arcot can use a tiny catheter to gently seal the damaged vein shut. This instantly removes the high pressure pushing against your skin, allowing the ulcer to heal and drastically lowering the chance of it ever returning.
Expert Limb Salvage: For severe arterial or diabetic ulcers facing threat of amputation, Dr. Arcot utilizes advanced internal techniques to clear artery blockages, restore healthy circulation, and successfully save limbs that other providers deemed unsalvageable.
Do not wait for a minor sore to become a major medical crisis. Contact Memphis Vein Center today to schedule your comprehensive leg ulcer evaluation and vascular ultrasound with Dr. Arcot, or request an appointment online.
