How are venous ulcers treated?
• Once the diagnosis is confirmed, venous leg ulcers can be treated effectively by good wound care and the use of compression therapy. The latter can improve the venous flow and decrease the swelling of the legs. Compression therapy usually consists of special “elastic” bandages. The arterial blood supply of the lower limbs must be adequate (and checked to be so) before compression therapy can be used. What is the best way to prevent venous leg disease? • Once the leg ulcer is healed, it is important to prevent recurrence by wearing support stockings, which must be replaced every 3 to 6 months or as soon as they lose their elasticity. Other important measures include: • good skin care • regular exercise • weight management • stopping smoking • leg elevation above the level of the heart when lying down. To share your experience and thoughts on chronic venous ulcers, join us on the discussion forum.
