Guide To The Causes Of Leg Ulcers

Kidney Failure

Kidney failure is a serious condition in which an individual's kidneys can no longer filter waste from their blood efficiently. Toxins build in the individual's body if their kidneys are not functioning properly, which is what triggers kidney failure. Symptoms include reduced urine output, unexplained shortness of breath, persistent nausea, excessive fatigue, and leg swelling.

Kidney failure increases the risk of leg ulcers for several reasons. One, of course, is that the increased swelling in the patient's legs makes it easier for ulcers to form because they can deprive some areas of the leg of oxygen. A lack of oxygen can make ulcers form. In addition, diabetes is the most common risk factor for the development of kidney failure. This condition is also a major cause of leg ulcers.

Lymphedema

Lymphedema is a serious chronic condition. It refers to swelling due to excess lymphatic fluid building in the soft tissues of the body. Swelling can compromise the healing in the body and prevent enough oxygen and nutrient-rich blood from reaching all of the tissues. This condition can occur in many areas of the body, though the most common is in the arms or legs. It is when lymphedema occurs in the legs that dramatically increases the patient's risk of developing leg ulcers.

Lymphedema is most often seen in patients who have undergone various cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. This is because cancer treatment can include the removal of lymph nodes or damage to them, which results in disrupted lymphatic drainage and, thus, swelling. Extensive swelling in lymphedema often triggers skin changes, including open wounds and leg ulcers.