Venous Leg Wounds and Lymphedema
Venous leg ulcers and lymphedema are common causes of chronic swelling, skin changes, and non-healing wounds in the lower legs and feet. At Elite Foot & Ankle Center, we focus on reducing edema, protecting skin, closing wounds, and preventing recurrence through a comprehensive plan tailored to your circulation and lifestyle.
What’s Going On with Venous & Lymphatic Swelling?
Venous insufficiency (weakened valves in leg veins) raises pressure in the veins, allowing fluid to pool in the lower legs and ankles. Over time this causes skin discoloration, itching, hardening, and eventually ulceration—often near the medial ankle. Lymphedema occurs when the lymphatic system cannot clear fluid effectively, leading to persistent swelling that increases the risk of skin breakdown and infection.
Common Signs & Symptoms
- Leg/ankle swelling that worsens as the day goes on
- Aching, heaviness, or tightness in the lower legs
- Skin changes: brown discoloration (hemosiderin), itching, hardening (lipodermatosclerosis)
- Weeping skin, recurrent rashes, or scaling
- Shallow, irregular ulcers, often around the ankle
- History of varicose veins, prior DVT, or chronic edema
How We Evaluate Your Legs & Wounds
- History & Exam: Wound size, depth, drainage, skin quality, and edema pattern.
- Circulation Screening: Non-invasive checks to rule out significant arterial disease before compression.
- Imaging as needed: X-ray to assess underlying bony changes; ultrasound referrals for venous studies when indicated.
- Infection Assessment: Signs of cellulitis; targeted cultures or labs when appropriate.
- Footwear & Pressure Review: Identifying friction points and pressure that can delay healing.
- Care Coordination: Collaboration with vascular and lymphedema specialists when needed.
Treatment Plan Tailored to You
- Edema Control: Multilayer compression wraps during active healing; transition to medical-grade compression stockings once the wound closes.
- Wound Bed Preparation: Debridement of non-viable tissue and evidence-based dressings to maintain a moist, protected environment.
- Infection Management: Topical/oral therapy as indicated and close monitoring of surrounding skin.
- Offloading & Protection: Padding, orthotic modifications, or boots to reduce pressure at ulcer sites.
- Elevation & Movement: Elevation schedules and gentle calf/ankle pumps to assist venous and lymphatic return.
- Skin Care & Prevention: Daily moisturizing, barrier protection against maceration, and careful nail/skin maintenance.
- Specialist Support: Referrals for venous interventions or lymphedema therapy when appropriate.
Home Care Tips
- Wear compression exactly as directed; don stockings first thing in the morning when legs are least swollen.
- Elevate legs above heart level several times per day.
- Keep dressings dry and follow your change schedule—don’t skip visits.
- Moisturize intact skin daily to prevent cracks; avoid harsh soaps on fragile areas.
- Stay active with safe walking/exercises as advised; avoid prolonged standing when possible.
When To Seek Urgent Care
Call promptly for increasing redness, swelling, warmth, foul odor, fever, spreading drainage, or if the wound probes deep or exposes tendon/bone. Go to urgent care or the ER for severe deformity, sudden “pop” with inability to push off (possible Achilles rupture), numbness or tingling that doesn’t improve with rest, open fractures/wounds, or pain so severe you cannot bear weight.
New Patients
First visit? View what to bring and how to prepare on our New Patient Information page. You can also call (720) 638-6081 with questions.FAQs
How long do venous leg ulcers take to heal?
With consistent compression, wound care, and offloading, many ulcers improve within weeks; chronic or larger ulcers can take longer. Preventive compression helps reduce recurrence.
Is compression safe if I have poor circulation?
We screen for arterial disease first. If circulation is significantly reduced, compression must be modified or deferred—your plan will be personalized to keep you safe.
Will I need compression long term?
Most patients benefit from ongoing compression to control edema and prevent future ulcers. We’ll help you choose the right type and strength.
Other Conditions We Treat
The information on this page is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you suspect a fracture, severe sprain, or tendon injury, seek prompt evaluation.