Symbolic representation of healing venous leg ulcers through innovative treatments.

Leg Ulcer Watch: Unveiling the Trends, Incidence, and Healing Breakthroughs in Primary Care

Elliot Brynn in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A deep dive into venous leg ulcer research reveals surprising shifts in prevalence, healing times, and treatment approaches, particularly in women over 70."

Lower-extremity wounds (LEWs), particularly venous leg ulcers (VLUs), present a significant challenge to patients, healthcare systems, and society. These chronic wounds not only affect quality of life but also place a heavy burden on healthcare resources, particularly through increased nursing consultations in primary care.

With an aging global population, the prevalence of chronic wounds, including VLUs, is on the rise. Studies indicate that a substantial percentage of individuals will develop a chronic wound during their lifetime, highlighting the urgent need for effective management and preventative strategies.

While only a small fraction of wounds heal quickly, the majority become chronic, leading to substantial costs for both individuals and healthcare systems. Given these challenges, understanding the epidemiology, healing patterns, and treatment approaches for VLUs is critical.

What the Latest Research Reveals About Leg Ulcer Trends

Symbolic representation of healing venous leg ulcers through innovative treatments.

A retrospective time series study conducted between 2010 and 2014 in a primary care center in Barcelona City provides valuable insights into venous leg ulcers. The research, which examined electronic health records of over 3,920 patients, focused on analyzing trends in prevalence and healing outcomes.

The study revealed several key findings:

Increased Prevalence and Incidence: Both the prevalence and incidence of VLUs increased over the study period, with a notable doubling in patients aged over 65.
Improved Healing Times: Despite the increased occurrence, the time taken for lesions to heal decreased significantly, indicating advancements in treatment approaches.
Enhanced Use of ABPI: The Ankle-Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI), a crucial diagnostic tool, was increasingly performed before the appearance of lesions, leading to earlier diagnosis and intervention.
Demographic Insights: VLUs predominantly affected women over the age of 70, reinforcing the importance of targeted preventative measures for this demographic.

The research also highlighted that a significant percentage of patients with VLUs had not been correctly diagnosed initially, underscoring the need for improved diagnostic accuracy in primary care settings.

The Role of Dedicated Wound Care and Future Directions

The study suggests that organizational changes, such as the establishment of dedicated wound units with reference nurses, can positively influence VLU care and healing outcomes. These dedicated services lead to quicker healing times and improved diagnostic accuracy. Future research should focus on exploring the long-term effects of these interventions and identifying best practices for VLU management to reduce the burden on patients and healthcare systems.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1111/iwj.13026, Alternate LINK

Title: Epidemiology Of Venous Leg Ulcers In Primary Health Care: Incidence And Prevalence In A Health Centre—A Time Series Study (2010‐2014)

Subject: Dermatology

Journal: International Wound Journal

Publisher: Wiley

Authors: Miriam Berenguer Pérez, Pablo López‐Casanova, Raquel Sarabia Lavín, Héctor González De La Torre, José Verdú‐Soriano

Published: 2018-11-04

Everything You Need To Know

What are Venous Leg Ulcers and why are they a concern?

Venous leg ulcers (VLUs) are chronic wounds that appear on the lower extremities. These wounds are a significant challenge to patients and healthcare systems due to their impact on quality of life and the strain they place on resources. The study focuses on VLUs, their prevalence, and the effectiveness of various treatment approaches.

What are the main trends observed regarding Venous Leg Ulcers (VLUs)?

The research indicates that both the prevalence and incidence of Venous Leg Ulcers (VLUs) have increased over the years, with a doubling of cases in patients over 65. Despite this increase, healing times for these lesions have decreased significantly, suggesting advancements in treatment. The Ankle-Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI) is now more frequently used, leading to earlier diagnosis.

What role does the Ankle-Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI) play in managing Venous Leg Ulcers (VLUs)?

The Ankle-Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI) is a diagnostic tool used to assess blood flow in the lower extremities. The research shows that increased use of ABPI before the appearance of lesions contributes to earlier diagnoses and interventions for Venous Leg Ulcers (VLUs). This proactive approach can improve patient outcomes and reduce healing times.

Which demographic is most affected by Venous Leg Ulcers?

Women over 70 are the demographic most affected by Venous Leg Ulcers (VLUs). This demographic insight underscores the importance of implementing targeted preventative measures. This focus allows healthcare providers to allocate resources efficiently and focus on the population most at risk.

How does dedicated wound care impact the treatment of Venous Leg Ulcers (VLUs)?

Dedicated wound care, such as establishing wound units with reference nurses, can significantly improve the management of Venous Leg Ulcers (VLUs). These specialized services lead to quicker healing times and improved diagnostic accuracy. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of these interventions and identify the best practices for VLU management, ultimately reducing the burden on patients and healthcare systems.