Venous leg ulcers are caused by swelling in the legs due to faulty valves within the veins. In many instances, varicose or spider veins can accompany the swelling. There may also be a brownish discoloration to the lower legs, which is called hemosiderin staining. Controlling swelling is essential. This can be accomplished with the use of compression, elevating the legs and walking. Sometimes, these types of wounds can be helped by undergoing a vein procedure, like an ablation or sclerotherapy. For this, a referral would be placed to a specialist.