Leg ulcers are horrible things that can reduce your quality of life quite dramatically.
There are two basic types although often these will be split into other causes as well.
The most common type is venous ulcers. This means that the veins in your leg are not working properly and do not carry the blood back to the heart effectively. This makes the legs swell and can cause brown staining and swollen veins.
The best treatment for this is known as compression which is achieved with either bandages or tight systems such as wraps or stockings. This acts as your veins should act and returns blood to the heart and heals the wounds.
The problem would start if there is arterial problems and the blood is not effectively reaching the lower part of the leg. Compression would decrease the blood further and the wound would increase.
Your nurse would be able to tell you if this is your problem. If unable to do it they will refer you to a specialist nurse in wound care (Tissue Viability Nurse).
Therefore, if your nurse has recommended that you wear compression, then know that it is the very best way to heal your wound. If they do not recommend the compression, then they should refer you on to a vascular nurse to address the arterial problem.
We should NEVER allow someone with venous disease and an ulcer to go without compression.
We should NEVER apply compression without testing you for arterial disease.
Stay safe. Sylvie
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