Venous Leg Ulcers
Venous leg ulcers often heal slowly and can come back. We bring compression and wound care to your home or facility and help you keep swelling down between visits.
What is it?
A venous leg ulcer is an open sore on the lower leg, most often just above the ankle. It forms when the veins have trouble sending blood back up to the heart. Blood and fluid pool in the lower leg, which raises pressure and harms the skin.
These ulcers are often shallow and wet, with uneven edges. The skin around them may be swollen, itchy, dry or stained brown or purple. They may ache, especially after standing for a long time.
Compression is the main treatment for most venous ulcers. Before compression starts, blood flow in the legs should be checked, because compression is not safe for everyone. Venous ulcers can come back, so long-term habits matter.
Causes & risk factors
Why it happens
- Weak or damaged valves in the leg veins (chronic venous insufficiency)
- A past blood clot in the leg
- Varicose veins
- Being overweight or not moving much
- Standing or sitting for long periods
- Past leg injury or surgery
How we help
How we treat it where you live
- Check that blood flow in the legs is safe for compression before it begins
- Apply compression wraps or garments as ordered by your doctor
- Use dressings that soak up drainage and protect the skin around the wound
- Measure the wound each visit and send progress notes to your doctor
- Coordinate with a vascular specialist when vein testing or a procedure may help
Treatments
Treatments used for venous leg ulcers
Your physician orders the treatment. We match it to the wound and adjust it at every visit.
Wound Assessment & Measurement
A careful check of the wound at every visit, so we can see what is working and keep your doctor informed.
Learn moreCompression Therapy
Wraps or stockings that gently squeeze the leg to lower swelling and help venous ulcers heal.
Learn moreAdvanced Wound Dressings
Modern dressings matched to your wound to manage moisture, protect the skin and fight infection.
Learn moreDebridement
Removing dead or unhealthy tissue from a wound so healthy tissue can grow.
Learn moreSkin Substitutes
Thin sheets of special material placed on a stalled wound to support new tissue growth, when standard care is not enough.
Learn morePrevention
Helping it heal, and keeping it from coming back
- Wear compression stockings as prescribed, every day, once the ulcer has healed.
- Raise your legs above the level of your heart several times a day.
- Walk and do simple ankle exercises to help the calf muscle pump blood.
- Avoid sitting or standing still for long periods.
- Moisturize the skin on your legs to keep it from cracking.
- Protect your legs from bumps and scrapes.
Get help right away if you notice
- Fever, chills or spreading redness and warmth around the ulcer
- Sudden swelling, pain or warmth in one leg, which can be a sign of a blood clot
- Chest pain or trouble breathing, which needs a 911 call
- Toes that turn cold, pale, blue or numb while wearing compression
For a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Questions
Venous Leg Ulcers: common questions
Why do I need compression?
Compression gently squeezes the leg to help blood flow back toward the heart. This lowers swelling and pressure in the leg, which helps the ulcer heal. Your doctor orders the type and strength that is right for you.
Is compression safe for everyone?
No. Compression can be harmful if the arteries in your legs do not carry enough blood. We check blood flow before starting and watch for warning signs at every visit.
Will my ulcer come back?
Venous ulcers often return if the vein problem is not managed. Wearing compression stockings, keeping your legs raised and staying active can lower that risk. Some people also benefit from seeing a vascular specialist.
Can I shower with compression wraps on?
Most wraps must stay dry. We will tell you how to cover the leg for bathing or when it is safe to wash. Do not remove or change the wrap unless your care team tells you to.
Ready to get a wound looked at?
Tell us about the wound and we will call you to schedule a visit at home or at the facility. Physicians and facilities can send a referral online or by fax.