Venous Ulcers
What are venous ulcers?
Venous ulcers typically:
- Are shallow, red, weepy wounds
- Develop on the lower half of the leg
- Can take a long time to heal
- Occur when blood is not moving efficiently back from the legs to the heart
Venous ulcers and compression hosiery
If you have had a venous ulcer you are at risk of developing another if you do not look after your legs. That is why you will be advised to wear compression hosiery for at least 5 years after it has healed, and you may need to wear them indefinitely.
Recurring ulcers
The problem is that if you do not wear compression stockings, socks or tights routinely, your veins are not supported well and more venous ulcers are likely to develop as long as 5 years after the first one has healed.
A medical study has shown that…
84% of people who have had a venous ulcer, develop further ulcers if they do not routinely wear their compression hosiery.
Only 30% develop another venous ulcer if they wear their compression hosiery.
So, the potential benefits are clear.