A leg sore that will not heal is often caused by weak veins. Treating the vein problem, not only the wound, helps it heal and stay healed.1
A venous leg ulcer is an open sore on the lower leg caused by poor blood flow back up the veins. It is the most common type of leg ulcer, making up more than 60% of cases.1
Other types, such as arterial ulcers, come from poor circulation in the arteries. That is why the arteries are checked as well.1
Not sure if this is right for you? A visit with Dr. Malik, with an on-site ultrasound, gives you a clear answer.
Healing takes time and works best with compression and wound care. Dr. Malik checks your veins and your arteries.
Dr. Malik recommends the option that fits your condition after an exam and ultrasound.1
| Treatment | What it does | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| Compression therapy | Improves blood flow and healing, and helps prevent recurrence | Bandages while healing, stockings afterward |
| Wound care and limb preservation | Cleans and dresses the wound and checks circulation | Ongoing wound care and follow-up |
| Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) | Seals a leaking main vein | Catheter heat |
| Laser ablation (EVLT) | Seals a leaking main vein | Laser heat through a catheter |
| Varithena foam | Closes leaking veins | Injected foam under ultrasound |
I have been seeing Dr Rema Malik for about 2 years now. She is amazing and all of her staff is amazing. I wish that all my doctors and there staff could be at least half of what this team is just so incredible and can’t thank her and her staff enough for always making my legs good again.
Dr. Malik was very kind and thorough. She looks out for your best interest and explained the process of the diagnostic and treatment plan. Her staff was very kind and made me feel comfortable with their evaluation.
I love love love Dr. Malik. She has taken very good care of me. She listens and answers all my questions and concerns. She is compassionate and caring.
Dr. Malik and her team are wonderful! Very friendly, easy to understand my questions and the process with my procedure. I never have to wait for the team to get back to me when I have called.
Dr. Rema Malik, MD, FACS, RPVI, is board certified in Vascular Surgery, General Surgery and Surgical Critical Care. She sees patients in English and Urdu. No referral is needed.
Treatment is often covered by insurance when it is medically necessary. Our team checks your plan before your visit.
Short answers. For your own situation, talk to Dr. Malik.
An open sore on the lower leg caused by poor blood flow in the leg veins. It is the most common type of leg ulcer.
Most heal within 6 months with treatment from a professional trained in compression therapy. Some take longer.
Without treating the underlying cause, there is a high risk of a venous leg ulcer coming back after treatment.
No. Antibiotics treat infection, but they do not help the ulcer heal.
Wear compression stockings, exercise regularly, raise the leg when you can, keep a healthy weight and stop smoking.
No. You can book directly with Dr. Malik.
This page is general education, not medical advice or a diagnosis. Unnumbered statements describe Dr. Malik’s usual practice. In an emergency, call 911. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Same-week appointments, no referral needed, three Houston-area clinics.
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