Final answer:
Venous ulcers are usually shallow, have irregular borders, and occur around the medial malleolus with associated signs of venous hypertension like edema and skin changes. Pain levels can vary and may be reduced by elevating the leg. Management often involves compression therapy, proper wound care, and potentially surgery.
Step-by-step explanation:
The features of venous ulcers are typically associated with chronic venous insufficiency and include several notable characteristics. These ulcers often occur around the medial malleolus, which is the bony prominence on the inner side of the ankle. An important aspect of venous ulcers is their appearance; they are usually shallow with irregular borders and have a red to yellow base. These ulcers can also exude a moderate to heavy amount of drainage. Surrounding skin may show signs of venous hypertension, such as edema, which is swelling caused by fluid retention, or skin changes such as lipodermatosclerosis (hardening of the skin) and hyperpigmentation. Pain associated with venous ulcers can vary, and while it may be lessened when the leg is elevated, this is not always the case. Patients with venous ulcers are often managed with compression therapy, wound care, and sometimes surgical intervention to improve venous circulation.