![\"\"](\"https:\/\/hyperbaricoxygen.gr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/fleviki_elki.jpg\" "\\"fleviki_elki\\"")
\n\n\n\nVenous ulcers are chronic wounds that develop primarily in the lower third of the leg as a result of chronic venous insufficiency and the associated venous hypertension.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They are the most common form of chronic lower-limb ulcer and affect millions of patients worldwide, with a significant impact on quality of life and a substantial economic burden on healthcare systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Their pathophysiology begins with dysfunction of the venous valves. When these valves do not close properly, blood flows back down the leg, increasing pressure within the capillaries. This chronic hypertension leads to fluid leakage into the surrounding tissues, hemosiderin deposition and the gradual atrophy of the skin and subcutaneous tissue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Eventually, even a minor injury may result in an ulcer that fails to heal. Patients commonly report heaviness and pain in the leg, marked swelling and characteristic skin hyperpigmentation around the wound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A venous ulcer has a characteristic clinical appearance. It is usually shallow, has irregular margins and is surrounded by indurated skin with lipodermatosclerosis. It may also have a yellowish fibrinous base, indicating stalled healing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unlike arterial ulcers, blood flow is not entirely absent. However, microcirculation is severely impaired, and the tissues surrounding the ulcer remain in a state of chronic hypoxia and metabolic insufficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The tendency to become chronic is one of the defining features of venous ulcers. Many remain open for months or even years despite appropriate wound care and the use of compression bandages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This persistence is directly associated with inadequate tissue oxygenation, local inflammation and impaired fibroblast function, as these cells are required to produce new collagen within a biologically hostile environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Clinical studies evaluating the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in patients with chronic venous ulcers have reported faster healing, a reduction in ulcer surface area and improvements in the quality of newly formed tissue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The principal mechanism is the correction of local hypoxia. Increased oxygen availability reactivates fibroblast activity, supports collagen synthesis and improves the function of keratinocytes, which are responsible for epithelialisation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition, the anti-inflammatory effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy reduce the chronic inflammatory state surrounding the ulcer. If left untreated, this inflammation can actively inhibit healing even when other conditions are favorable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In venous ulcers, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is incorporated as an adjunctive option within a comprehensive treatment plan that includes compression therapy, regular wound care and, where clinically indicated, antibiotic treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Each session supplies the affected tissue with amounts of oxygen that cannot be delivered adequately through the impaired venous microcirculation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Repeated exposure to high oxygen concentrations stimulates neovascularisation in the tissue surrounding the ulcer, promoting the formation of new capillaries. This improves the local vascular network over the longer term and creates more favorable conditions for complete healing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A typical treatment course consists of 20 to 40 sessions, with progress monitored in collaboration with the treating vascular specialist or dermatologist.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
What Are Venous Ulcers? Venous ulcers are chronic wounds that develop primarily in the lower third of the leg as a result of chronic venous … <\/p>\n