Leg Ulcers
Patient Information
If you've just been diagnosed with a leg ulcer or think you may have one, you are not alone. Up to 1% of the adult population will suffer from a leg ulcer at some point in their lives. A leg ulcer is a wound found below the knee on the leg or foot which hasn't healed after 4-6 weeks. The ulcer is often the result of a knock from something like a shopping trolley or a scratch whilst gardening.
Having a leg ulcer can make some people feel quite depressed, especially if you can't go out or wear normal shoes. They can also be very painful but this varies from person to person. Sometimes germs in the wound can make it smell and this can make you feel embarrassed or make people not come and visit anymore. A smelly wound is not a sign that you are not clean, but it does need a doctor or nurse to sort it out. Some leg ulcers produce a lot of fluid so you don't feel like leaving the house.
If you have a sore or wound on your leg that does not seem to be getting better (after 4-6 weeks) it is important that you go and see your doctor, or ask a doctor to see you if you can not leave the house. Often people with leg ulcers (sores) think they will get better by themselves and don't want to bother their doctor.
Seeing the Doctor
The doctor will never dismiss your concerns and would rather see an ulcer earlier rather than later. If the sore smells or produces lots of fluids the doctor may give you anti-biotics. Normally once a leg ulcer has been diagnosed a nurse who specializes in leg ulcers will be in charge of looking after you.
Treatment
The type of treatment you receive depends on the type of ulcer you have. If it's a venous ulcer you will have a wound covering (dressing) put on the sore to help it heal or to get rid of any fluid or germs in the wound. Firm bandages will then be put on top of the wound covering.
The bandages give the greatest firmness at your ankle and their job is to push the blood up the veins in your leg and back to your heart. The bandages are very important in getting your wound(leg ulcer) to heal as they keep your blood flowing and good blood flow lets the wound heal.
The bandages and the wound covering will probably be applied by a nurse. If the wound is making lots of fluid then the nurse will change the bandages and wound covering every few days, after that you may see the nurse just once a week.
The good news is most venous leg ulcers will get better quite quickly once treatment starts. The wound may take a few months to fully heal and after it has got better, you will probably need to wear compression hosiery to help stop it coming back.
Compression Hosiery
Once your leg ulcer has got better, it is important to wear hosiery to prevent it coming back. The majority of leg ulcers do come back unless you wear compression socks or stockings. So if your nurse prescribes you hosiery, it is important that you wear them.
Modern hosiery is light, attractive and virtually indistinguishable from normal hosiery. Activa hosiery comes in a range of styles and colours including unisex ribbed socks in black and brown. These can be obtained on prescription.