Leg ulcers are caused by various underlying conditions that impair blood circulation, skin integrity, or immune response in the legs. The most common cause is venous leg ulcers, which result from high pressure in the leg veins due to vein diseases, blood clots, or varicose veins damaging the skin. This pressure causes fluid to leak from the veins, leading to skin breakdown and ulcers. Other causes include arterial leg ulcers caused by poor circulation due to blocked arteries, diabetic foot ulcers related to diabetes complications, and less commonly, skin conditions like vasculitis, cancer, injuries, and infections. Risk factors include older age, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, smoking, previous leg injuries or surgeries, and reduced mobility.
Main causes of leg ulcers:
- Venous leg ulcers: Due to high pressure in veins from vein disease, varicose veins, blood clots, or valve problems in leg veins causing skin breakdown.
- Arterial leg ulcers: Caused by poor blood circulation from blocked arteries, leading to skin breakdown.
- Diabetic foot ulcers: Result from nerve damage and poor circulation linked to diabetes.
- Other causes: Vasculitis (immune system attacking skin), cancer, trauma or injury, infections.
Risk factors increasing leg ulcer development:
- Age (older adults)
- Diabetes and peripheral neuropathy
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Previous deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or leg surgeries such as hip or knee replacement
- Limited mobility or difficulty walking
Understanding the exact cause is important for appropriate treatment and healing of leg ulcers.
