ABSTRACT
Leg ulcers are a common problem and tend to affect the elderly population, although they can occur at any age. Patients with arterial ulcer complain of pain in the legs that is exacerbated by elevation or exertion and is relieved by dependency and rest. These ulcers usually develop slowly and they characteristically affect patients older than 45 years. Neuropathic ulcers result from repetitive trauma to pressure bearing areas including the heels, toes and plantar metatarsal heads. The neuropathy is a chronic progressive condition that includes three components: sensory, motor and autonomic. Management of patients with leg ulcers includes the evaluation and therapy of associated medical problems. This may often require a multidisciplinary team. The gold standard in the management of venous ulcers is the use of compression to reverse the effects of venous hypertension. Growth factors influence cell growth, differentiation and the metabolism of cells participating in the wound healing process.
