Venous Leg Ulcer Treatment

What Is a Venous Leg Ulcer?

Venous leg ulcers are caused by chronic venous insufficiency, a condition in which the valves in the leg veins no longer close properly. Blood pools in the lower legs, pressure rises, and fluid and inflammatory cells leak into the tissue. Over time, the skin becomes fragile and breaks down, often after a minor bump or scratch.

Typical Appearance

• Located on the lower leg, most often on the inner ankle or the “gaiter” area
• Shallow with irregular, sloping edges
• Moderate to heavy drainage
• Surrounded by brown-stained skin (hemosiderin staining), thickened “woody” skin (lipodermatosclerosis), or swelling
• Often aching, heavy, or itchy, but less acutely painful than arterial ulcers

Common Causes and Risk Factors

• Chronic venous insufficiency
• Prior deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Varicose veins
• Prolonged standing or sitting
• Obesity
• Pregnancy or multiple pregnancies
• Older age
• A previous venous leg ulcer

Understanding what causes venous ulcers on legs can help guide the right treatment approach. By identifying these underlying risk factors, care can be tailored to improve circulation, support healing, and reduce the risk of recurrence.

How In-Home Venous Leg Ulcer Care Works

Evidence-based VLU care has three pillars: confirming the diagnosis, applying appropriate compression, and preparing the wound bed. Our in-home program covers all three.

• Assessment: Wound history, measurement, photography, skin assessment, and evaluation for signs of mixed venous-arterial disease.
• Vascular screening before compression: We coordinate an Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) or similar vascular study with your physician before starting compression. Compression is modified or avoided if arterial disease is significant.
• Compression therapy for venous leg ulcers: Multi-layer compression bandaging, short-stretch wraps, or fitted compression garments, selected for your specific wound, leg shape, and tolerance.
• Wound bed preparation: Conservative debridement, exudate management, and dressings matched to drainage and the wound bed.
• Skin care: Moisturizers, barrier creams, and eczema management to protect fragile surrounding skin.
• Lifestyle support: Specific leg-elevation guidance, walking and calf-pump exercises, weight management support, and education on long-term compression.

This comprehensive approach helps address both the wound and the underlying circulation issues. With consistent, personalized venous leg ulcer treatment, patients can experience improved healing, reduced discomfort, and a lower risk of recurrence over time.

After the Ulcer Heals

Venous leg ulcers recur in a significant percentage of patients, especially in the first year after healing. Long-term compression stockings, leg elevation, walking, calf-muscle exercise, weight management, and good skin care all lower recurrence risk. Our providers help set up a long-term maintenance plan before we discharge you from active wound care.

When to Seek Urgent Care

• Sudden, severe calf pain or new calf swelling
• Rapidly spreading redness, warmth, or swelling of the leg
• Fever, chills, or feeling unwell
• Sudden onset of pale, cold, or blue toes or foot
• A wound that abruptly gets much larger or begins bleeding heavily

If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical attention right away. For urgent concerns, contact your provider or emergency services immediately. For follow-up support and ongoing care, Allevio Care Anywhere offers in-home visits across Utah, Idaho, Nebraska, and Texas to help you recover safely and with confidence.

Service Area

Allevio Care Anywhere provides in-home wound care across Utah, Idaho, Nebraska, and Texas. Our providers travel to patients in private homes, assisted living facilities, skilled nursing communities, and other settings where care is needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need compression?  

Compression is the single most important treatment for venous leg ulcers. It reduces the backflow of blood, decreases swelling, and helps the skin and wound heal. Dressings alone, without compression, are usually not enough to close a true venous ulcer.

How long does it take a venous leg ulcer to heal?

Many venous ulcers heal within 12–24 weeks of consistent compression and appropriate wound care. Larger or longer-standing ulcers, or ulcers with mixed arterial-venous disease, can take longer. Your provider will set realistic expectations based on your specific wound and circulation.

Do I have to wear compression stockings forever?

Most people with a history of venous leg ulcers benefit from long-term daily compression to prevent recurrence. Compression doesn’t have to be uncomfortable. Proper fit, the right strength, and tools to help put stockings on make a significant difference.

Can I keep walking with a venous leg ulcer and compression wraps?

In most cases, yes; walking actually helps. The calf muscle acts as a second pump to push blood back to the heart. Your doctor will advise on appropriate activity levels for your specific wound and compression system.

Do you treat both legs if I have ulcers on each side?

Yes. Bilateral (both-leg) venous disease is common. We treat both legs in a single visit and adjust the care plan as one side heals faster than the other.