Venous ulcers are the most common type of chronic
lower extremity ulcers, affecting 1% to 3% of the U.S.
population. Venous hypertension as a result
of venous reflux (incompetence) or obstruction is thought to be the
primary underlying mechanism for venous ulcer formation .
Risk factors for the development of venous
ulcers include
1.Age
55 years or older,
2.Family
history of Chronic venous insufficiency,
3. Higher body mass index,
4.History
of pulmonary embolism
or superficial/deep venous thrombosis,
5. Lower extremity skeletal or joint disease,
6.Higher
number of
pregnancies,
7.Parental
history of
ankle ulcers,
8.Physical
inactivity,
9.History of ulcers,
10.Severe lipodermatosclerosis, and
11. Venous reflux in deep veins.
Bonkemeyer
Millan S, Gan R, Townsend PE. Venous Ulcers:
Diagnosis and Treatment.
Am Fam Physician. 2019 Sep
1;100(5):298-305
