Leg Ulcers

Leg ulcers are most commonly found on the front (anterior) aspect of the leg and are often related to poor tissue integrity of the skin of the leg. The ulcer itself is a chronic break in the skin which does not quickly heal and requires professional treatment.

• Leg ulcers are most commonly caused by a mixture of poor circulation and poor tissue integrity.
• There are two types of circulation in the leg, arterial and venous. The arterial circulation brings oxygenated blood from the heart into the leg and foot. The venous returns the deoxygenated blood from the foot and leg to the heart. When either of these types of circulation becomes compromised or both the leg becomes prone to leg ulcers.
• Poor tissue integrity on the front (anterior) of the leg is common with aging, as the tissue integrity decreases the chance that an ulcer could form, normally started by a knock to the area, increases.
• Other factors that affect the tissue integrity can be medications such as steroids. These can cause the skin to become thinner and more vulnerable. This added to age and circulation problems can increase the risk of ulceration.
• Certain medical conditions like diabetes can make an elderly person more prone to ulceration by affecting circulation and wound healing.

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