Leg Ulcer is an open wound or a sore on the legs caused by a break in the skin that allows air and bacteria to get into the underlying tissue. The compelling reason for this condition is poor blood circulation. Also, it can be caused by an injury which breaks the skin. In addition, they are more common in females but can affect both women and men of any age. If they are treated in the initial stage, then leg ulcer can be cured without any complications. Otherwise, the area of breakdown will increase in size and become a chronic leg ulcer.
Bandaging technique has changed little over the years. In the UK bandages are applied using a spiral or figure-of-eight technique and run from the base of the toes to just below the tibial plateau.
Causes of leg ulcer:
- Poor blood circulation
- Diabetes
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Kidney disease
- Smoking
- Infections
- Increased pressure in legs
- High cholesterol
- Heart disease
Symptoms of Leg Ulcer:
- Open sores
- Pain in the affected area
- Pus in the affected area
- Increasing wound size
- Enlarged veins
- Leg swelling
- Generalized pain or heaviness in the legs
Assessment:
It is necessary to have assessment before performing the bandage. The measurement of ankle circumference is vital to safe compression bandaging. Ankle-brachial index ABI test is a simple way to check how well the blood is flowing for peripheral artery disease. Ultrasonography is a fundamental methods of assessing the state of the arterial and venous systems of the lower leg before performing the bandage.
Treatment: Bandaging Techniques for the Leg Ulcers:
The most common and effective treatment method is to Bandage the Leg Ulcers utilizing the “Compression Bandage“ or “Stocking”. In this technique, the pressure should improve the blood circulation in the leg. As a result, it will boost body’s ability in order to heal the sore.
Compression Bandages Type:
- Sustained compression: This bandage type includes any bandage system which can easily maintain the sub-bandage pressures for at least one week.
- Multi-layered (elastic) compression: It’s basically a group that includes bandages with more that 50% stretch.
- Multi-layered (inelastic) compression: And, this group involves bandages with less than 50% stretch.
- Reduced compression: this group contains systems which deliver 15-25 mmHg sub-bandage pressure for sufferers with narrow ankles.
- Compression stockings: It is primarily employed for the prevention of recurrence or in the excellent care of varicose veins.
- Intermittent pneumatic compression: In this, systems are capable of delivering high compression, but only for a short period of time.
To add to your knowledge, it can be treated by other procedures too. Firstly, by elevating the legs, utilizing plenty of moisturizing cream in order to prevent dryness, losing weight, performing physical exercise, quiting to smoke, and more.
In conclusion a graduated external compression plays a major role in the successful treatment for lower limb open wounds, especially for the treatment of venous ulcers.