Venous Leg Ulcer Care in St. Louis
Venous leg ulcers can develop when the veins in the lower legs do not move blood back toward the heart effectively. This can lead to swelling, skin changes, and wounds that may be slow to heal or recur.
United Wound Care provides specialized evaluation and treatment of venous leg ulcers throughout Greater St. Louis, including care in our wound clinic, in patients’ homes, and in skilled nursing and senior care facilities.
What Is a Venous Leg Ulcer?
A venous leg ulcer is an open wound that commonly develops on the lower leg, often near the ankle. These wounds are associated with chronic venous insufficiency, where blood pools in the legs because the veins are not functioning effectively.
Patients may also have swelling, skin discoloration, heaviness, aching, or changes in the surrounding skin.
Signs a Venous Leg Ulcer May Need Specialized Wound Care
-
A lower-leg wound that is not improving
-
Persistent or increasing leg swelling
-
Drainage from the wound
-
Redness, warmth, odor, or other signs of infection
-
Darkening or thickening of the skin around the wound
-
Recurrent leg ulcers
-
Increasing wound size or depth
-
Pain or other symptoms that raise concern about circulation
How We Treat Venous Leg Ulcers
Treatment depends on the wound, swelling, circulation, skin condition, and the patient’s overall health. Our wound care team develops an individualized treatment plan that may include:
-
Wound assessment and ongoing measurement
-
Debridement when medically appropriate
-
Advanced wound dressings
-
Compression therapy when clinically appropriate
-
Management of swelling and edema
-
Evaluation of circulation and vascular concerns
-
Infection evaluation and management
-
Coordination with primary care, vascular specialists, home health, nursing, and other members of the care team
Venous Leg Ulcer Care Where You Need It
United Wound Care makes specialized wound care more accessible across Greater St. Louis. Patients may receive care:
In Our Clinic
Specialized evaluation and treatment at our Creve Coeur wound care clinic.
At Home
For appropriate patients who have difficulty traveling to a wound clinic.
In Skilled Nursing & Senior Care Facilities
On-site wound care with communication and coordination with facility nursing teams.
View all wound conditions we treat