Foot & Leg sores

Foot and leg sores are breaks in the layers of the skin that fail to heal. These can also been known as ulcers and may be accompanied by inflammation.

If sores don’t heal, they can become chronic. Chronic foot and leg sores mainly affect the elderly. People with diabetes are at special risk of developing foot ulcers, and foot care is an important part of diabetes management.

The most common cause of chronic leg ulcers is poor blood circulation in the legs. These are known as arterial and venous leg ulcers. Other causes may include:

• Certain skin conditions
• Diabetes - because of poor blood circulation or loss of sensation (nerve damage) resulting in pressure ulcers
• Infections and injuries
• Vascular diseases (stroke, angina, heart attack)

Those at risk

There is no doubt that the risk of leg ulcers increases with age. The majority of those people who are affected are over the age of 80. Other risk factors may include

• Immobility
• Obesity
• Varicose veins
• Deep Vein Thrombosis

Symptoms may include:

• Swollen ankles
• Discolouration of skin
• Hardening of skin
• Small and smooth areas of white skin (may have tiny red spots)
• Aching and painful legs
• Heavy legs feeling
• Itchy skin

The following steps may help reduce the risk of developing leg and foot ulcers

• Activate your calf muscles regularly by walking and exercising.
• Reduce the amount of fat in your food. Eat more fruit and vegetables.
• If you are overweight, losing weight will help prevent ulcers.
• Sit with your legs raised whenever you have the opportunity - above heart level if possible.
• Avoid sitting with your legs crossed. This impairs blood circulation.
• If your work requires a lot of standing or sitting, try to vary your stance as much as possible. Walk about from time to time if you can.
• If you have to stay seated for a long time, move your feet up and down occasionally.
• Support stockings may be useful but talk to your doctor or practice nurse first.
• Inspect your feet and legs daily. Look for sores or changes in colour.
• Visit your chiropodist regularly.

Potential treatment

Always consult your doctor if you have any of the symptoms associated with ulcers. Treatment methods may include

• Applying a compression bandage or stocking
• Addressing and treating the underlying cause of the ulcer which will differ depending on the type of ulcer

The Circulation Booster® v3 has been scientifically tested to see if it could help improve poor circulation, reduce swelling in your lower legs and feet and alleviate tired, heavy and aching legs. Our studies have shown that 40 minutes of inactivity in healthy people resulted in poor circulation and swelling. After using the Circulation Booster® v3 for only 10 minutes, this could be alleviated.

References

NHS
Royal College of Nursing
The British Association of Dermatologists
NetDoctor

Disclaimer

All content on this page is provided as a general overview on the ailment and should not be used instead of seeking medical advice from your GP or other health care professionals. High Tech Health is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made from the content written on this site. You should always consult your GP first with any health concerns.