Venous Insufficiency Leg Ulcers

Quick answer

A venous leg ulcer is an open sore that appears when the valves in your leg veins stop working and pressure builds up. Fluid and blood cells leak into the skin, the skin thins and itches, and eventually it breaks open. These sores usually sit on the inner side of the lower leg, they hurt, and they account for most chronic leg wounds.

Venous insufficiency leg ulcers, also referred to as stasis, insufficiency, varicose or venous ulcers, are wounds that are thought to occur due to improper functioning of venous valves, usually of the legs (hence leg ulcers). They are the major occurrence of chronic wounds, occurring in 70% to 90% of leg ulcer cases. Venous ulcers develop mostly along the medial distal leg, and can be painful with negative effects on quality of life.

venous insufficiency leg ulcers stages of development

What are venous ulcers?

Venous ulcers (open sores), also referred to as stasis, insufficiency or varicose ulcers, are the result of malfunctioning venous valves causing pressure in the veins to increase. These typically occur along the medial or lateral distal (lower) leg. The resulting venous hypertension causes blood pooling when it is not as efficiently pumped back towards the heart, otherwise known as venous insufficiency. If not treated, increased pressure and excess fluid in the affected area can cause an open sore to form.

What are the signs and symptoms of venous ulcers?

When blood pools in the veins of the lower leg, fluid and blood cells leak out into the skin and other tissues. This can cause itchy, thin skin and lead to skin changes called stasis dermatitis, an early sign of venous insufficiency.

Signs and symptoms of venous ulcers include:

Shallow sore with a red base, sometimes covered by yellow tissue
Unevenly shaped borders
Surrounding skin may be shiny, tight, warm or hot, and discolored
Leg pain
If the sore becomes infected, it may have a bad odor and pus may drain from the wound

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A little blonde Russian woman named Natasha asked me to post about her renal procedure. It was done by Dr. Khorsandi at CACVI. They took absolutely amazing care of her and went above and beyond to treat her terribly high blood pressure. They lasered her renal artery. After the procedure it wouldn’t stop bleeding so they ended up staying w her at the center until 9pm. That’s when they finally had to call the ambulance to move her to E.R. All of the staff were incredibly professional and their care was second to none. Dr. Lala promised her that her high blood pressure would go away. It has and now she’s throwing out all her old med’s just like Lala promised. This group of Doctors is like no other. If you have any of these cardiac issues then you’ve found your saving grace. No need to look any further. They were incredibly patient and helpful in every medical way possible. Natasha has found a new way of living. Without her terrible pounding migraines she had on a daily basis. 5 stars all the way. They deserve all the praise possible. They provided a miracle. Thank you Dr’s Lala & Khorsandi.

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On behalf of my father, a patient of CACVI, I wanted to acknowledge and praise the entire team of this organization for its outstanding surgical expertise and knowledgeable/warm supporting staff. We had gone through countless recommendations that all claimed there was only one last option for treatment, amputation. That news is devastating for anyone to hear, and resulted in my father having little faith that the quality of his life would ever be the same... All that changed the moment we had our first interaction with this organization. The care, knowledge, and most importantly hope that there was still options if we acted fast was single moment that turned this entire nightmare around. Thank you CACVI for being the single most important piece to solving my father's health crisis. Dont think twice, make the appointment and atleast go meet and see them-- for us it was the moment that changed the trajectory of our situation forever for the better.

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Matt Golad

I’m 41 years old, and I have something called May-Thurner’s Syndrome. However, it wasn’t until I saw Dr. Vasim Lala a couple years ago that I was diagnosed with it. May-Thurner’s syndrome is when the main veins that split off into your legs is compressed by the main arteries that split off into your legs. The result is that the blood that should be coming back up through the leg veins pools at your ankles. My whole life until I was diagnosed, I was lethargic. My legs felt heavy. I started to develop purple bruising around my ankles in my twenties. I started to get varicose veins on my calves. I thought this was normal. I was living on “hard mode” and didn’t know it. If I was on my feet for extended periods of time, my legs would swell a lot. I thought maybe I need to lose some weight. When I started teaching a few years ago, I would be on my feet 6-8 hours a day. One day, I got home, and my left leg was so swollen my wife was concerned I had a blood clot. I went to the emergency room, and thankfully it was just superficial. I temporarily went on blood thinners and was recommended to see Dr. Lala. He changed my life. I’d shown my purpling ankles to GP’s. They’d seen my varicose veins. But none if them put all the signs together until I saw Dr. Lala. He diagnosed me with May-Thurner’s syndrome and recommend we put stents in my veins to prevent them from being compressed by the arteries. So we did the surgeries. Out patient procedures. My legs stopped swelling a lot. I started wearing compression socks. I had to be on blood thinners for a year, but eventually I was able to stop taking them which was great. But I still had varicose veins in my legs because they had widened from the blood pooling in them for years. I’ve had two ablations per leg since them, which closes the affected veins, and I’ve got a new lease on life. My legs feel lighter. They don’t swell nearly as much. The varicose veins have disappeared. Now, I’m lighter on my feet. I’m not lethargic. There’s a pep in my step. I have one more ablation each being scheduled. I’m thankful for Dr. Lala and his incredible team at CACVI for their diagnosis and treatment. It truly changed my life.

4 months ago Tarzana Read on Google

PAK SHIP ALL

On August 27, 2025, I had my leg Angio done with Dr. K. who is best of the best. Amazing Doctor and extremely knowledgeable. The nurse who helped me, JULIAN she has a very kind heart. She has a lot of knowledge and made me feel extremely relaxed. She went above and beyond her responsibilities. It seems God made her to be kind and caring for all the patients. I salute her and look forward to having same nurse for procedure in my other leg. I came home with a big Smile. Thank you Thank you Thank you

10 months ago Tarzana Read on Google

Looking for the Best Varicose Vein Doctors Near You?

Living with varicose veins can make even basic activities, such as walking, feel tiring or uncomfortable. With expert care, you can improve circulation, reduce discomfort, and even prevent your condition from worsening over time.

The most effective way to treat varicose veins is through professional diagnosis and personalized treatment. With the help of a doctor, you can understand what’s causing your symptoms and start treatments that help you get back to what you love doing without discomfort.

At CACVI, our mission is to help patients regain comfort through expert vein care. Our board-certified doctors use advanced, minimally invasive treatments to safely and effectively manage varicose veins, so you can get back to living fully, without pain or worry. Take the first step toward a healthier life and schedule a consultation with the best varicose vein doctors in Los Angeles today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you still have questions about varicose veins? We answered some of the most common questions to address your concerns.

Do I Need to See a Doctor for Varicose Veins?

Yes, you should, especially if you’re experiencing leg pain, swelling, or skin discoloration. These symptoms may be signs of a more serious condition, like chronic venous insufficiency or even blood clots. A specially trained vein specialist can evaluate your veins and create a treatment plan to restore proper blood flow.

How to Treat Varicose Veins in Kids?

Though rare in children, they can develop varicose veins if there’s a family history of the condition. Most cases only require monitoring and healthy lifestyle changes. However, a specialist may suggest noninvasive treatments to prevent larger varicose veins from developing as the child grows.

What Is the Newest Procedure for Varicose Veins?

The latest treatments include laser ablation, radiofrequency therapy, and VenaSeal. These minimally invasive procedures close off faulty veins, allowing blood to flow more efficiently through healthier ones. They’re safer, faster, and more comfortable than traditional surgery, with quicker recovery times.

Does Insurance Cover Varicose Vein Treatment?

Your insurance will cover your vein treatment if it is deemed medically necessary. Varicose vein removal for cosmetic purposes is usually not covered. Always confirm with your provider before starting a treatment plan.

Can You Get Rid of Varicose Veins Without Surgery?

Yes, you can, especially if your varicose veins are mild to moderate. Non-surgical options like laser or radiofrequency treatments can close off damaged veins without the need for surgery. Combined with healthy habits, these can greatly reduce visible veins and prevent new ones from forming.

Schedule a personalized assessment and find out your treatment options.

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Dr. Moinakhtar Lala and Dr. Mehran J. Khorsandi of CACVI

Dr. M Lala, Dr. Mehran J. Khorsandi and Dr. V Lala

Meet Your Specialists

The Center for Advanced Cardiac and Vascular Interventions (CACVI) is led by Dr. M Lala, Dr. Khorsandi, and Dr. V Lala, who have over thirty years of practice with over 15,000 vascular and cardiac procedures performed. Our physicians are determined to provide each patient with experienced, compassionate care as they work diligently to improve your health.