What is the newly understood cause of venous ulcers?

Increased venous hypertension is recognized as a critical cause of venous ulcers, which are wounds that develop primarily due to issues related to venous circulation. When venous hypertension occurs, the pressure within the veins rises abnormally, leading to damage of the venous walls and surrounding tissues. This pressure can cause a breakdown of the skin, impair the healing processes, and result in ulcer formation.

Venous ulcers typically occur in the lower extremities where there is prolonged venous pressure, often as a consequence of conditions such as chronic venous insufficiency, deep vein thrombosis, or varicose veins. As the veins are unable to efficiently return blood to the heart, the excess fluid can leak into nearby tissues, leading to edema, skin changes, and ultimately, ulceration.

This understanding has shifted the focus on treatment approaches to address the underlying venous pressure rather than just managing the ulcer itself, which is crucial in promoting healing and preventing recurrence.