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?
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
Need to be seen by vein specialist or wound care specialist.
Published on Jul 11, 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
Published on Jul 11, 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.
Published on Jul 11, 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.
Published on Jul 11, 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
Published on Jul 11, 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.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
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
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