Leg Ulcers Care in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Leg ulcers are open sores on the lower leg or ankle that do not heal within a few weeks. In Grand Rapids and across Michigan, these wounds are most often related to circulation problems in the veins or arteries—or both. Because the lower legs are farthest from the heart, wounds in this area can take longer to heal, especially in adults over age 50.

Local vascular and wound care specialists at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health frequently treat leg ulcers, particularly in older adults and people with chronic health conditions.

What Is a Leg Ulcer?

A leg ulcer is a chronic wound, usually below the knee, that fails to heal in a normal time frame (often defined as 4–6 weeks). The most common type is a venous leg ulcer, caused by poor blood return from the legs to the heart.

In the United States, about 1% of the population is affected by leg ulcers. In West Michigan, this is a common issue among older adults, people with diabetes, and those with circulation problems—conditions that can be worsened by long, cold winters and reduced physical activity.

Causes of Leg Ulcers

Poor Circulation in the Veins (Venous Disease)

The most common cause of leg ulcers is chronic venous insufficiency—when the veins in your legs cannot effectively return blood to your heart. Normally:

  • Veins carry deoxygenated blood from your legs back to your heart and lungs.
  • One-way valves in the veins prevent blood from flowing backward.
  • The calf muscles act as a “pump,” squeezing the veins during walking to push blood upward.

If these valves fail or the veins are damaged, blood can pool in the lower legs, increasing pressure in the veins and damaging the skin. Over time, this can lead to a venous leg ulcer.

Poor Circulation in the Arteries (Arterial Disease)

Arterial ulcers are caused by blocked or narrowed arteries that reduce blood flow to the legs and feet. In Michigan, risk factors like high cholesterol, smoking, and diabetes are common contributors to arterial disease.

Other Causes and Risk Factors

Several factors can increase your risk of developing a leg ulcer:

  • Age – Peripheral circulation becomes less efficient with age; adults over 50 are at higher risk.
  • Varicose veins – Damaged or stretched veins with faulty valves cause blood to pool and increase pressure.
  • Cigarette smoking – Tobacco constricts blood vessels and damages circulation; smoking rates in some Michigan communities remain higher than the national average.
  • Arterial disease – Conditions like peripheral artery disease (PAD) make venous problems more likely and more severe.
  • Diabetes – Poorly controlled blood sugar damages blood vessels and nerves, slowing wound healing.
  • Arthritis and other chronic disorders – Can limit mobility and affect circulation.
  • Pressure sores – Bed-bound or wheelchair-bound individuals are at risk of skin breakdown from constant pressure or friction.
  • High cholesterol and poor diet – Common in colder climates where physical activity may be reduced in winter.
  • Certain medications – Some cardiovascular drugs can cause leg swelling (edema) and alter circulation.
  • Obesity and inactivity – Extra weight and prolonged sitting or standing (common in some jobs in Grand Rapids’ manufacturing and service sectors) strain leg veins.

Why Poor Circulation Leads to Leg Ulcers

The exact mechanism is not fully understood, but one theory suggests:

  • White blood cells become trapped in tiny capillaries in the lower leg.
  • These cells and their by-products damage nearby skin and tissue.
  • Over time, this damage leads to skin breakdown and ulcer formation.

High levels of white blood cells and their by-products are often found in the fluid (exudate) from chronic leg ulcers.

Symptoms of Leg Ulcers

Leg ulcers typically appear on the lower leg or around the ankle. Common features include:

  • A sunken, irregularly shaped wound
  • Clearly defined edges between the ulcer and surrounding skin
  • Surrounding skin that is:
    • Red, inflamed, or warm
    • Darkened or pigmented (brownish discoloration)
    • Hardened, thickened, or calloused
  • Yellowish-white fluid (pus or exudate) from the wound
  • Pain or discomfort, often worse when standing or walking
  • Visible varicose veins in the leg
  • Swelling in the lower leg or around the ankle

Any non-healing wound on the leg or ankle should be evaluated by a healthcare professional in Grand Rapids, especially if you have diabetes, vascular disease, or a history of smoking.

Risk Factors for Leg Ulcers in Grand Rapids

People in the Grand Rapids area may be at increased risk of leg ulcers if they:

  • Are over 50 years old
  • Have varicose veins or a history of vein problems
  • Have diabetes (a significant concern in Michigan)
  • Have high blood pressure or high cholesterol
  • Smoke or use tobacco products
  • Are overweight or obese
  • Sit or stand for long periods (e.g., factory workers, retail, healthcare staff)
  • Have a history of blood clots or deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
  • Have limited mobility (after surgery, stroke, or chronic illness)
  • Have a family history of vascular disease

The cold, icy winters in West Michigan can also reduce outdoor activity, which may worsen circulation and venous issues if people are less active for months at a time.

Diagnosis of Leg Ulcers in Grand Rapids

If you visit your primary care provider or a local wound care clinic (such as those at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health), the evaluation may include:

  • Complete medical and surgical history
  • Physical examination of the wound and surrounding skin
  • Ankle-brachial index (ABI)
    • Compares blood pressure at the ankle and arm.
    • Uses a Doppler device to assess arterial blood flow.
  • Vascular imaging (if arterial disease is suspected)
    • Angiogram – special X-ray of the arteries using contrast dye to identify blockages.
    • Ultrasound of veins to check for venous insufficiency or clots.
  • Lab tests if infection or underlying conditions (like diabetes or anemia) are suspected.
  • Biopsy or further evaluation if:
    • The ulcer does not heal as expected, or
    • There is concern for skin cancer or unusual infection.

Local resources like the Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health can help connect uninsured or underinsured patients to clinics that provide wound and vascular care.

Treatment of Leg Ulcers

Medical treatment focuses on:

  • Improving blood flow to the affected area
  • Treating infection
  • Promoting wound healing
  • Addressing underlying causes to prevent recurrence

The treatment plan depends on whether the ulcer is primarily venous or arterial.

Urgent Treatment for Arterial Ulcers

Arterial ulcers are more serious and often require urgent care. In these cases:

  • Compression bandages must NOT be used
    Compression can further reduce already limited blood flow and worsen tissue damage.
  • Surgical or interventional procedures may be needed:
    • Angioplasty – a procedure to open narrowed or blocked arteries.
    • Bypass surgery – replacing or bypassing a blocked segment of artery.
  • Medications to improve blood flow and manage risk factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, blood thinners).
  • Pain management and careful wound care.

In severe, untreated cases where blood flow cannot be restored, amputation of part of the lower leg may be necessary, which is why early evaluation at a Grand Rapids hospital or vascular center is critical.

Treatment for Venous Leg Ulcers

Chronic venous leg ulcers are commonly treated in outpatient wound care centers throughout Grand Rapids. Treatment may include:

1. Wound Cleaning and Debridement

  • Gentle cleaning of the wound using appropriate solutions.
  • Debridement – removal of dead or infected tissue:
    • With special instruments (surgical debridement)
    • With ointments or dressings that help dissolve dead tissue

2. Specialized Dressings

A wide range of dressings is used, depending on the stage of healing and amount of drainage:

  • Moist wound dressings to promote healing
  • Occlusive (air- and water-tight) dressings, which:
    • Keep the wound moist
    • Protect from bacteria
    • Are often changed weekly, rather than daily, to avoid removing healthy cells

3. Compression Therapy

For venous ulcers, compression is a key treatment:

  • Elastic bandages or compression stockings
  • Often applied in multiple layers to improve effectiveness
  • Help:
    • Reduce swelling
    • Improve venous return
    • Decrease pressure in the veins

Compression therapy should be guided by a healthcare professional after arterial circulation has been checked (usually with an ABI test). Many Grand Rapids wound clinics and vascular centers specialize in fitting and managing compression garments.

4. Medications

  • Pain relievers to manage discomfort.
  • Antibiotics if there is a confirmed infection.
  • Topical treatments to reduce bacterial load and promote healing.

5. Supplements (When Deficient)

If blood tests show deficiencies, your provider may recommend:

  • Zinc
  • Iron
  • Vitamin C

These nutrients can support wound healing, but they are only helpful if a true deficiency exists.

6. Skin Grafts

For large or long-standing ulcers, a skin graft may be recommended:

  • Healthy skin is taken from another part of the body.
  • It is transplanted onto the prepared wound site.
  • Often done in a hospital or surgical center in Grand Rapids.

7. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

For ulcers that do not respond to standard treatments—especially diabetic ulcers—hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) may be used:

  • The patient breathes 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber.
  • Increases oxygen delivery to tissues.
  • Supports new blood vessel growth and healing.

Several hospitals and specialized centers in West Michigan offer hyperbaric oxygen therapy as part of advanced wound care programs.

8. Monitoring for Infection or Skin Cancer

If an ulcer:

  • Fails to heal
  • Grows larger
  • Changes appearance

Your provider will evaluate for:

  • Infection
  • Skin cancer (such as squamous cell carcinoma), which can occasionally develop in chronic, non-healing wounds

Long-Term Management and Prevention in Grand Rapids

Leg ulcers often recur if the underlying issues are not addressed. Long-term strategies include:

Improve Circulation and Vein Health

  • Treat varicose veins – procedures such as vein ablation or sclerotherapy may be offered by vascular specialists in Grand Rapids.
  • Quit smoking – local smoking cessation programs are available through:
    • Kent County Health Department
    • Major health systems (Spectrum Health, Trinity Health, Metro Health, Mercy Health)
  • Maintain a healthy weight to reduce strain on leg veins.
  • Stay active year-round:
    • Aim for at least 30 minutes of walking most days.
    • In winter, consider indoor walking (malls, gyms, community centers) to maintain circulation despite cold weather.

Daily Habits

  • Avoid hot baths and very hot water on the legs, which can dilate veins and worsen venous problems.
  • Avoid prolonged sitting or standing:
    • Take walking breaks every 30–60 minutes.
    • Flex your ankles and calves regularly if you must sit for long periods (e.g., office or factory work).
  • Elevate your legs:
    • Whenever possible, raise your legs above heart level to reduce swelling.
    • Use pillows or a recliner at home.

Diabetes Management

For people with diabetes—a major concern in Michigan:

  • Aim for optimal blood sugar control.
  • Inspect your feet and lower legs daily for:
    • Cuts
    • Blisters
    • Redness
    • Areas of pressure
  • See a podiatrist or diabetes educator regularly.
  • Seek prompt care at a local clinic or hospital if any wound does not improve within a few days.

When to See a Doctor in Grand Rapids

Contact your doctor, urgent care, or a local wound clinic if you notice:

  • A leg or ankle wound that does not improve within 1–2 weeks
  • Increasing pain, redness, or swelling
  • Drainage, pus, or foul odor from the wound
  • Fever or feeling unwell
  • Dark, cool, or pale skin on the foot or lower leg
  • A history of diabetes, vascular disease, or smoking with any new leg wound

You can seek help from:

  • Your primary care provider
  • Hospital-based wound care centers at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health
  • Vascular surgery or vein clinics in the Grand Rapids area
  • Kent County Health Department or Grand Rapids Public Health for referrals and support services

Key Points About Leg Ulcers in Grand Rapids, MI

  • Wounds on the lower leg are often caused by vein or artery problems, or a combination of both.
  • Poor circulation, especially venous insufficiency, is the most common cause of chronic leg ulcers.
  • Treatment options include:
    • Compression bandages (for venous ulcers)
    • Specialized dressings
    • Medications
    • Surgery
    • Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for resistant ulcers
  • Veins have one-way valves that normally prevent blood from flowing backward; when these fail, leg ulcers can develop.
  • Medical treatment aims to improve blood flow and promote healing while addressing underlying conditions like diabetes, varicose veins, smoking, and high cholesterol.
  • Early evaluation at a Grand Rapids healthcare facility can prevent complications, reduce healing time, and lower the risk of amputation.

If you live in the Grand Rapids area and suspect you have a leg ulcer, seek prompt medical care. With proper treatment and prevention strategies tailored to Michigan’s climate and lifestyle, many leg ulcers can heal and be prevented from coming back.