Treatment of Leg Ulcers

The treatment of most leg ulcers is now fairly simple and can often be performed under local anaesthetic.

The Specialists at the Whiteley Clinic are experts at assessing patients and sorting out those who can be cured and those who cannot. Most patients that we see are able to be treated and cured.

Treatment consists of:

● Recognition there may be a problem

● Assessment by a Specialist Vascular Surgeon

● Special tests - usually Duplex Ultrasound and often PPG

● Discussion of the results with patient

● Surgery if possible (approx 60% of patients)

● Long term compression in the 40% who cannot be helped

What should be avoided at all costs:

● Patients with leg ulcers being condemned to dressings and compression bandages/stockings without assessment by a Specialist Vascular Surgeon (unless patient is immobile, has poor ankle movement, is very unwell for any other reason or has a very short life expectancy)

● Patients with skin changes at the ankle being given creams (particularly steroid creams) before venous causes have been excluded by a Specialist Vascular Surgeon
 
● Patients with varicose veins being told that it is a cosmetic problem only and to "wait until there is a problem before having anything done"

● Patients with skin changes at the ankle or varicose veins being given long term support stockings without a cause being found and the possibility of a cure being offered.

If you, or someone you know, has a leg ulcer or one of the conditions outlined in this website that leads to leg ulcers, please contact us using the contact information in this website so that we can assess you or the patient and give you the best possible medical advice on how best to try to achieve a cure.