
Innovative Leg Ulcer Care and Treatment in the Knoxville, TN Area
Leg ulcers are a common circulation-related condition that affects thousands of people each year.
More prevalent in older adults, they can lead to debilitating symptoms if left untreated, impacting overall health.
If you experience leg ulcers or are at risk of developing them, it is essential to determine the root cause of your skin condition before beginning a treatment regimen.
Our experienced team of specialists at Tennessee Vein Center is here to help you with leg ulcer diagnosis, treatment, and a personalized care plan that fits your unique health history and wellness goals.
Let’s discuss ulcers on the legs in more detail, including what they are, the symptoms they may cause, and how we treat them at Tennessee Vein Center. Read on to learn more.

Corona Phlebectatica Paraplantaris
This term means “a crown of dilated veins around or near the foot.” In the early stages, this may appear as a cluster of spider veins around the inner area of the ankle and foot. This is one of the earliest findings of venous insufficiency. In the later stages, Corona Phlebectatica can appear as severely dilated, dark purple spider veins (telangiectasias) surrounding the ankle or foot.
Hemosiderin Hyperpigmentation
Deposits of iron in the form of hemosiderin can result in localized brown discoloration of the skin when there are long-standing varicose veins or signs of chronic venous insufficiency.
Atrophie Blanche
This term means “white areas that are wasting away.” This condition appears as areas of white scars or ivory-white plaques in the skin that may be slightly depressed and surrounded by redness or pigmentation.
Venous Dermatitis
This itchy dermatitis is red and scaly and can arise as discrete patches or affect the leg circumferentially. In more severe cases, it may ooze, crust, and crack.
Lipodermatosclerosis
There can be several skin changes associated with Lipodermatosclerosis. The changes in skin color can include pink, red, and purple discoloration, which eventually turns brown. In addition, the skin may become thickened, hardened, tight, and smooth. These areas often become painful.
Arterial Ulcers
Arterial ulcers are the second most common cause of leg ulcers, accounting for about 15% of cases.
Their cause is related to the arteries and is the opposite of the problem with venous ulcers. Arteries carry oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to the tissues. When you experience a blockage in the arteries, that blood can’t reach the tissues. This causes the tissues to die.
Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors for developing problems with your arteries. This is because smoking causes plaque to build up in your arteries and causes them to get smaller. Smaller arteries mean less blood flow. This is equivalent to suffocating your tissues.
Symptoms of arterial ulcers include:
Diabetic Ulcers
It is estimated that 5% of ulcers are related to diabetes.
Diabetic ulcers vary slightly in their cause, as it is related to high blood sugar levels instead of being caused by improper circulation.
Diabetes is characterized by abnormally high blood sugar levels in your bloodstream. This is caused by your body’s inability to make or use insulin properly. Insulin acts like a “key” that allows glucose (sugar) entry into the individual cells. Glucose is the fuel, or energy source, for your cells.
When insulin isn’t available, glucose wanders around banging on your cell’s locked doors. All this excess glucose starts damaging your fragile tissues (the micro-circulation), causing irreparable destruction.
Due to this repeated damage, you start to lose feeling, especially in your feet. In addition, repeated trauma puts you at risk of developing sores or ulcers on your feet. A known culprit is ill-fitting footwear.
Often painless unless an infection is present, symptoms include: