Peer Reviewed
Feature Article Geriatric pain

Assessing leg ulcers

Jeff Rowland, David Veselic
Abstract
Leg ulcers are a common source of morbidity in our community, typically having a chronic course and a propensity to recur. History and examination provide the most valuable diagnostic information, but the judicious use of simple investigations can help in diagnosis and also guide further management.
Key Points
  • Treatment of a leg ulcer depends on the underlying aetiology.
  • Most chronic leg ulcers are due to venous and/or arterial disease.
  • Malignancy can mimic or coexist with the common causes of leg ulceration.
  • If an ulcer fails to heal, review the diagnosis and consider a tissue biopsy.
  • In leg ulcer management, failure to heal is the most common reason for specialist referral of patients.
Get full access
Subscribe for full access to all articles
Buy this article

Single article purchases are temporarily unavailable due to site maintenance.

If you would like to purchase an article during this time, please email us at [email protected] with the article details and we'll assist you directly. We'll also let you know when online purchasing is available again.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Already a subscriber?