A leg ulcer is a sore that takes more than two weeks to heal, and usually forms on the inside of the leg, just above the ankle. A venous leg ulcer is the most common type of leg ulcer.
3A venous leg ulcer
A venous leg ulcer can develop if there is a problem with the circulation of blood in your leg which means the pressure inside the veins increases. This can damage the tiny blood vessels in your skin (capillaries) which can make it fragile. A small knock or scratch can lead to an ulcer forming.
Your risk of developing a venous leg ulcer increases if you have varicose veins, have chronic oedema or lymphoedema, have had deep vein thrombosis, are overweight, are a drug user, have injured your leg or have had surgery on it, such as a hip replacement, or have mobility problems.
