Don't Wait, Heal: The Impact of Delayed Venous Leg Ulcer Treatment
- Jeffrey H. Miller, M.D.
- Jun 6
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 12
Venous ulcers are a common yet often misunderstood condition that can lead to significant health issues if not treated as early as possible.
A recent study—published in the Journal of Vascular Surgery: Venous and Lymphatic Disorders—highlights the importance of early diagnosis and treatment for these ulcers.
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What Are Venous Ulcers?
Venous ulcers are open sores that usually occur on the legs due to poor blood circulation. When the veins in the legs don't work properly, blood can pool and cause pressure, leading to these painful sores. They can be quite stubborn and take a long time to heal if not treated correctly.
How Long a Correct Diagnosis Takes: The Sad Reality
A study conducted by a team of researchers looked at patients with venous ulcers who received treatment at a medical center.
They found that many patients had to visit wound care centers multiple times before their condition was correctly identified as a venous ulcer. On average, it took about 8.6 visits before the right diagnosis was made.
This delay in diagnosis meant that patients waited around 230 days from the first sign of the ulcer to getting proper treatment. During this time, their condition often worsened, leading to more visits to doctors and emergency rooms, which increased patients' healthcare costs.
Why Early Venous Leg Ulcer Treatment Matters
The study showed that once patients received the correct treatment, their ulcers healed much faster. About 83% of the patients' ulcers healed within a year after they started the right treatment.
This highlights the importance of recognizing and treating venous ulcers early to prevent prolonged suffering and reduce healthcare costs.
What Can Be Done...
By Healthcare Providers
Healthcare providers, especially those who are not specialists in vascular conditions, need to be aware of the signs of venous ulcers. Early referral to a vein specialist can make a big difference in patient outcomes.
By Patients
For patients, it's important to seek medical advice if you notice any persistent sores on your legs, especially if you have a history of vein-related symptoms.
Conclusion
The study underscores the need for timely diagnosis and treatment of venous ulcers. By addressing this issue early, we can improve patient care, reduce suffering, and save on healthcare costs.
References
Kiguchi, M. M., Reynolds, K. B., Biagetti, G. M., Knoles-Barnett, K., Naz, I., Alfawaz, A., Fatima, J., Dirks, R., Abramowitz, S. D., & Woo, E. Y. (2022). Delayed referral of venous ulcers increases resource usage. Journal of Vascular Surgery: Venous and Lymphatic Disorders, 10(1), 87–93. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvsv.2021.04.011
Stop Letting Your Legs Hold You Back
If you have restlessness, heaviness, aching, swelling, throbbing, or itchiness in your legs—or you notice varicose veins or spider veins—it's time to see a vein specialist.
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