Venous leg ulcers are chronic wounds that typically occur on the lower extremities as a result of underlying venous insufficiency. These ulcers may be painful, recurrent, and slow to heal without targeted therapy.
At BridgePoint Wound Care & Hyperbaric, we provide structured evaluation and management of venous leg ulcers, with a focus on controlling edema, promoting wound healing, and reducing the risk of recurrence.
Causes and Contributing Factors
Venous leg ulcers develop when damaged or inefficient venous valves as a result of increased pressure in the veins of the lower leg. Over time, this venous hypertension contributes to:
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Edema and inflammation
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Skin changes (hyperpigmentation, lipodermatosclerosis)
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Fragile tissue prone to breakdown & difficult to heal
Risk factors include prior deep vein thrombosis (DVT), varicose veins, obesity, immobility, an occupation involving long periods on your feet and a history of leg injury or previous surgery.
Clinical Assessment
Evaluation of venous leg ulcers in our clinic typically includes:
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Detailed wound examination (size, depth, exudate, location, tissue type)
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Assessment of peripheral pulses and screening for arterial disease
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Review of prior imaging or vascular studies when available
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Assessment of edema, skin changes, and history of ulcer recurrence
If there is concern for significant arterial disease, further vascular evaluation is obtained before initiating full
Treatment Approach
Management of venous leg ulcers at our center generally consists of:
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Compression therapy
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Multilayer compression wraps, compression stockings, or other appropriate systems to reduce edema and improve venous return
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Local wound care
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Debridement of non-viable tissue when indicated
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Moisture-balancing dressings tailored to drainage levels
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Infection control strategies where appropriate
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Edema and skin management
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Elevation, exercise guidance, and skin care to support long-term venous health
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Adjunctive therapies
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Consideration of advanced wound care products, negative pressure wound therapy, or other modalities in selected patients
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We coordinate with vascular specialists when minimally invasive procedures or additional interventions may be beneficial.
Preventing Recurrence
Because venous leg ulcers have a high recurrence rate, long-term prevention is an important component of care. This may involve:
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Continued use of compression garments after healing
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Ongoing skin care and moisturization
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Weight management and activity recommendations
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Education on early signs of recurrence and when to seek evaluation
Our team supports patients and families in implementing a sustainable prevention plan tailored to their abilities and medical conditions.