Guide for leg ulcer compression therapy

Leg ulcer compression therapy for leg ulcers and foot ulcers during the coronavirus

If there are problems with a leg ulcer healing, this is usually because there are problems with the blood return from the leg to the heart.

If there is a good blood supply to the legs, then you should offer compression therapy to improve the blood return.

Compression therapy improves blood return by applying pressure to the lower leg and is very effective at helping leg wounds heal faster, reducing swelling and preventing ulcers coming back. This can be done by bandaging, compression hosiery (socks, stockings or tights) or by wrap systems. There are lots of different types of compression therapy so there will be something that suits your patient.

Compression can be a little uncomfortable when the treatment is first started but should not cause your patient any pain. Any discomfort should reduce as the swelling goes down. If your patient does experience discomfort, encourage them to talk to you so you can suggest ways to reduce the discomfort.

Compression bandaging application videos

Actico

3M Coban 2-layer

3M Coban 2-layer

Compression hosiery application videos

PDF Download – How to apply hosiery

Compression wrap application video

PDF Download – How to apply ReadyWrap

PDF Download – How to apply Juxta Cures

Download this guide

One of the documents from our series to help you self-care at home.

Download a pdf copy here

Based on a document produced by the National Wound Care Strategy Programme. Accessed from their website on 14 April 2020.