can I use compression stockings if I have an ulcer on my leg?

Can I use compression stockings if I have an ulcer on my leg? I've had surgery two years ago because of the ulcer. After a few months the ulcer healed but now it has coem back again. Would I need to have surgery again?

Answers from doctors (9)


VeinCare Centers of Tennessee

Published on Jan 10, 2012

Compression stockings are appropriate for some small venous ulcers. Other forms of compression often are used for larger ulcers. If you have a recurrent ulcer, you need to be sure to see a physician experienced in evaluation of venous insufficiency for a work up for venous reflux.
Stephen F. Daugherty, MD, FACS, RVT, RPhS

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Answered by VeinCare Centers of Tennessee

Compression stockings are appropriate for some small venous ulcers. Other forms of compression often are used for larger ulcers. If you have a recurrent ulcer, you need to be sure to see a physician experienced in evaluation of venous insufficiency for a work up for venous reflux.
Stephen F. Daugherty, MD, FACS, RVT, RPhS

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Published on Jan 10, 2012

Need to be seen by vein specialist or wound care specialist.

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Answered by Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Need to be seen by vein specialist or wound care specialist.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Jan 10, 2012

Compression stockings will certainly be very important if you have ulcer provided that the ulcer is due to vein disease. But just as important will be to have a re-evaluation of your leg venous circulation. You might need further treatment of your abnormal veins.
Dr Farhy

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Answered by Heart and Vein Center

Compression stockings will certainly be very important if you have ulcer provided that the ulcer is due to vein disease. But just as important will be to have a re-evaluation of your leg venous circulation. You might need further treatment of your abnormal veins.
Dr Farhy

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Jan 10, 2012

You absolutely can use compression hose, especially if this is a venous ulcer. I would recommend being evaluated by a board-certified, vascular-trained surgeon (including ultrasound) to rule out any contributing veins issues. Many of these venous ulcers are successfully treated by sclerotherapy injections into all the surrounding vein.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

You absolutely can use compression hose, especially if this is a venous ulcer. I would recommend being evaluated by a board-certified, vascular-trained surgeon (including ultrasound) to rule out any contributing veins issues. Many of these venous ulcers are successfully treated by sclerotherapy injections into all the surrounding vein.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialists

Published on Jan 10, 2012

You might have another vein feeding the ulcer bed and need to get back to
your vein specialist for another venous ultrasound to see if anything else
is feeding this area. If so then you might need another laser procedure or
possibly injections sclerotherapy of the area around the ulcer.

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Answered by Vein Specialists

You might have another vein feeding the ulcer bed and need to get back to
your vein specialist for another venous ultrasound to see if anything else
is feeding this area. If so then you might need another laser procedure or
possibly injections sclerotherapy of the area around the ulcer.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Jan 10, 2012

See your provider. In general however, if your ulcer is from a venous etiology stockings can be helpful, as well as any measure that reduces leg swelling.
Michael D. Ingegno

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

See your provider. In general however, if your ulcer is from a venous etiology stockings can be helpful, as well as any measure that reduces leg swelling.
Michael D. Ingegno

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Nu Vela Vein Center

Published on Jan 10, 2012

Untreated or missed incompetent perforator veins are the most common cause
of recurrent venous ulcers. These need to be carefully sought out with
duplex ultrasound and treated.

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Answered by Nu Vela Vein Center

Untreated or missed incompetent perforator veins are the most common cause
of recurrent venous ulcers. These need to be carefully sought out with
duplex ultrasound and treated.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center at University Medicine and Cardiology

Published on Sep 06, 2011

The answer depends on WHY you have the ulcer. If you have arterial insufficiency then you should not wear the stocking. If you have venous ulcer they may be beneficial. It sounds like you have a more complex history and one that should be discussed with a vascular specialist.

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Answered by Vein Center at University Medicine and Cardiology

The answer depends on WHY you have the ulcer. If you have arterial insufficiency then you should not wear the stocking. If you have venous ulcer they may be beneficial. It sounds like you have a more complex history and one that should be discussed with a vascular specialist.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Aug 01, 2011

You can use a compression stocking with an ulcer on your leg, and, in fact, this is part of the treatment for an ulcer. I would recommend a re-evaluation of your venous system to look for reflux of the saphenous or perforator systems. If this is present then this should be corrected.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

You can use a compression stocking with an ulcer on your leg, and, in fact, this is part of the treatment for an ulcer. I would recommend a re-evaluation of your venous system to look for reflux of the saphenous or perforator systems. If this is present then this should be corrected.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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