Mr Adam Howard MBBS BSc MD FRCS Laparoscopic and Vascular Consultant Surgeon
Mr Adam Howard MBBS BSc MD FRCSLaparoscopic and Vascular Consultant Surgeon

Leg Ulcers

Leg ulcers occur in patients with a number of conditions, which range from arterial disease, varicose veins, lymphoedema, rheumatoid arthritis, infections and cancer.   Mr Howard can treat leg ulcers that are related to vascular disease by improving the arteries, treating varicose veins and lymphoedema. He runs specialist joint leg ulcer and cellulitis clinics for private patients on Monday evenings with Emma Rayner, Vascular Nurse Consultant. 

Please refer to this useful link for further information https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/leg-ulcer/

Lymphoedema

Lymphoedema is a swelling due to a build up of lymph fluid in our limbs. This can occur because you are born with a lack of lymph drainage channels and gradually as you get older the lymph channels you do have slowly fail causing swelling. Surgery and radiotherapy can also cause damaged lumph channels. 

 

There is an increased risk of infection under the skin (cellulitis) and repeated attacks of cellulitis lead to more lymphatic damage. This vicious circle may eventually lead to severe infections, ulcers and even amputation in extreme cases. Therefore it is improtant to avoid insect bites and skin damage.

 

Lymphoedema cannot be cured but it can usually be controlled to reduce complications later. The mainstays of treatment are compression bandages or stockings, elevation of the limb, lymphoedema massage and external pneumatic compression.

Many operations have been tried to cure lymphoedema, but few have been successful. Surgery to reduce the size of the lower leg (Homan's Reduction) may be suggested if your leg remains very swollen despite compression therapy. Plastic Surgery to transplant lymphatic drainage into the groin has had some success more recently.

What should I do?

  • Wear your compression stockings every day from morning to night.
  • Elevate your legs whenever possible.
  • Take plenty of exercise and don't put on weight.
  • Keep the skin in good condition by using plenty of moisturising cream to prevent dryness.
  • If you get a skin infection then see you GP urgently for antibiotic treatment

How to contact us

Oaks Hospital

Personal Assistant for Mr Adam Howard - 

Megan Wood

 

Email:

megan.wood@ramsayhealth.co.uk

Phone 01206 522413

Mobile & Text 07596 895974 

 

Oaks Hospital, Mile End Road,  
Colchester, Essex

CO4 5XR

Hospital Phone 

01206 752121 

 

East Suffolk & North Essex NHS Foundation Trust

Secretary for Mr Adam Howard - Nadine Martin

 

nadine.martin@esneft.nhs.uk

Phone 01206 742454

Colchester University Hospital, Turner Road, Colchester, Essex

CO4 5JL