Wound Types
- Diabetic Foot Ulcer
- Arterial Ulcer
- Venous Ulcer
- Pressure Injuries or Ulcers
- Non-Healing Wounds
- Chronic venous insufficiency Ulcers
- Malignancy-related Ulcers
- Lymphedema-related Ulcers
- Surgical Wounds
- Burns
- Atypical Wounds
- Autoimmune Wounds
- Wound Caused by Infections
Venous Ulcer
What is a venous leg ulcer?
A venous leg ulcer is a wound or opening on the skin of the lower leg, ankle, or foot that doesn’t heal due to vein disease, also called venous insufficiency or venous stasis.
What causes venous insufficiency?
It tends to run in families, but you can be prone to developing venous insufficiency if you stand or sit for long periods, are pregnant, or gain excessive weight. Additionally, you are more susceptible if you have a history of blood clots in the affected leg or have had surgery, infection, or injury in that leg.
How should you care for your venous leg ulcer?
Venous leg ulcers need proper care and treatment to prevent infection and to help the ulcer close. We recommend the following ways to care for your venous leg ulcer:
- Keep the area clean by gently washing with mild soap and water
- Apply treatment to the wound to help keep the wound moist
- Cover the wound with a dressing to help heal and protect from germs
- Wear compression wraps or leg bandages to prevent blood from settling in legs
How do you prevent a venous leg ulcer?
- Wear compression stockings/hose to decrease leg swelling
- Exercise by walking which helps move blood in the lower legs back to the heart and improve circulation
- Elevate your feet above the level of your heart for an hour each day for 2-3 sessions
- Clean and moisturize skin every day
- Maintain a healthy weight to support vein health and reduce strain on the leg veins
- Protect your legs and feet from scratches, rubbing, pressure, and burns
What activities should I avoid?
- Smoking nicotine, tobacco, or similar products
- Exposing your feet to extreme temperatures
- Picking or removing scabs or dry skin
What activities should I avoid?
If you notice any of the following symptoms in or out of compression therapy:
- Leg, foot, or wound redness or warmth
- Swelling or pain
- Change in wound drainage, odor, or color
- Wet or soiled wraps
- Wound drainage outside of the wrap
- Wraps that fall down the leg or bunch
- Numbness or tingling in the leg or toes
- Toes that seem dark or turn blue
- Toes that are more swollen than usual
- Worsening pain in legs, feet, or toes
