When a wound on the leg refuses to heal, most people assume it’s “just a diabetic wound.”
But in reality, many long-standing non-healing wounds are actually varicose vein ulcers—and the treatment for each is completely different.
At Avis Hospitals, one of the most common confusions we see is this:
👉 “Is my ulcer because of diabetes or because of varicose veins?”
Getting this wrong leads to delayed healing, repeat infections, and months (or years) of pain.
This blog will help you understand the key differences so you can get the right treatment at the right time.
1. What Causes Each Type of Ulcer?
Varicose Vein Ulcer (Venous Ulcer)
This happens when the veins in your legs become weak and cannot pump blood back to the heart efficiently.
Blood pools near the ankles, increasing pressure…and eventually the skin breaks down.
Cause: Faulty or damaged vein valves
Typical area: Near the inner ankles
Progression: Swelling → Skin darkening → Itching → Shiny tight skin → Ulcer
Diabetic Foot Ulcer
This occurs due to a combination of high blood sugar, poor blood circulation, and nerve damage (neuropathy).
People may not feel cuts or pressure sores, which become infected easily.
Cause: Diabetes-related nerve & arterial damage
Typical area: Soles of the feet, toes, pressure points
Progression: Loss of sensation → Callus → Crack/injury → Infection → Ulcer
2. Where Do They Usually Appear?
Varicose Vein Ulcer
- Just above the ankle, especially inner ankle
- Skin around ulcer may look brownish, dry, shiny, or itchy
Diabetic Foot Ulcer
- On the bottom of the foot, toes, or bony pressure points
- Surrounded by callus (thickened hard skin)
- Often painless due to nerve damage
If your wound is near the ankle, varicose veins are likely.
If it’s on the sole or toes, think diabetes.
3. How Do They Look?
Varicose Vein Ulcer
- Irregular shape
- Yellowish base
- Skin around it is dark, tight, itchy
- Leg swelling usually present
- Pain increases on standing, reduces on elevating legs
Diabetic Ulcer
- Round or punched-out appearance
- Surrounded by callus
- May have foul smell or infection
- Often painless, even when severe
4. Symptoms — What You’ll Feel
Varicose Vein Ulcers
- Leg heaviness
- Swelling of feet & ankles
- Visible varicose veins
- Itching or burning
- Pain improves when legs are raised
Diabetic Ulcers
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Burning feet
- Delayed wound healing
- Signs of infection (pus, redness, fever)
5. Why Identifying the Right Type Matters
The treatments for these two ulcers are completely different:
Varicose Vein Ulcer Treatment
The wound will not heal until the bad veins are treated.
At Avis Hospitals, options include:
- Laser Treatment (EVLT)
- Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
- Foam Sclerotherapy
- Compression therapy
Once the vein pressure reduces, healing is usually fast.
Diabetic Ulcer Treatment
Key focus:
- Blood sugar control
- Removing callus
- Infection control
- Offloading pressure (special footwear)
- Improving arterial circulation
If mistaken for a venous ulcer, diabetic ulcers worsen quickly.
6. How Avis Hospitals Diagnoses Your Ulcer Correctly
At Avis Hospitals, every non-healing wound undergoes a detailed evaluation:
- Doppler scan to check vein function
- ABI test to assess blood flow (arteries)
- Neuropathy assessment (for diabetes)
- Wound culture if needed
- Blood sugar profile
Because accurate diagnosis = correct treatment = faster healing.
7. When Should You See a Specialist?
Seek help immediately if:
- Your wound is not healing for more than 2 weeks
- Skin around the ankle is getting darker or itchy
- You have swelling that worsens by evening
- You can’t feel your feet or have tingling
- There’s foul smell, redness, or fever
- You’re unsure whether it’s diabetic or venous
Early treatment prevents amputations, infections, and permanent skin damage.
8. Final Thoughts: Don’t Guess — Get It Checked
Diabetic ulcers and varicose vein ulcers may look similar, but they need completely different treatments.
A Doppler scan or vascular assessment at Avis Hospitals can quickly tell you the exact cause.
The right diagnosis today means faster healing tomorrow.
Don’t wait — your legs carry you every day. Give them the care they deserve.