A Doctor has issued a warning over five symptoms of a 'painful' and 'unsightly' leg condition. The medical professional has urged Brits to be aware of these 'subtle' signs which can affect people's everyday activities including walking. The expert has broken down the signs to look for as well as key advice about how you can address the symptoms before they develop into leg ulcers.
Dr Mark Bratby, Consultant Interventional Radiologist at Veincentre has explained that recognising these early indicators of leg ulcers is crucial for effective prevention and treatment. "Leg ulcers are a painful and often persistent problem that can significantly impact quality of life," he said. "While these ulcers are common, they often develop slowly with subtle warning signs that many people may overlook.
" 1. Persistent swelling and aching in the legs One of the earliest signs of developing leg ulcers is chronic swelling and aching in the legs. "This is often due to venous hypertension, which occurs when the valves in the leg veins fail, causing blood to pool and pressure to increase," Dr Bratby said.
The increased pressure can lead to skin damage and fragility over time. 2. Skin discolouration Changes in skin colour on the lower leg are another warning sign.
"Typically, the skin becomes discoloured and turns into a brown patch, usually on the inside of the leg," Dr Bratby said. This discolouration, known as hemosiderin staining, is a result of red blood cells leaking into the tissue and breaki.