What it is
Compression therapy means applying external pressure to the leg with bandage systems, wraps, adjustable devices or specially fitted stockings. The goal is generally to support circulation in the veins and reduce swelling in the lower leg.
Leg ulcers are open sores that are slow to heal. They can have different causes, including problems with veins (venous), arteries (arterial), or a mix of factors such as diabetes or pressure. The cause matters a great deal, because what is appropriate for one type may be unsafe for another.
Compression comes in different levels and styles, and choosing among them is a clinical decision. Only a licensed clinician can decide whether compression is appropriate after evaluating the leg, including its blood flow.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Compression has traditionally been a cornerstone of care for venous leg ulcers, where fluid and pressure can build up in the lower leg because the veins are not returning blood efficiently. Clinicians have long used it alongside wound cleaning and dressings.
Approaches vary. Some clinics use multi-layer bandage systems applied by a trained professional, while others use short-stretch wraps, adjustable wrap devices or fitted stockings, sometimes after a wound has closed to help support the leg afterward.
Clinicians also commonly check circulation in the legs before using compression, because reduced arterial blood flow can make strong pressure risky. This is one reason evaluation comes first, and why compression is generally not something to try on your own.
How the right wound care specialist may help
A wound care specialist may start by asking about your health history, how long the ulcer has been present, and what symptoms you notice. They may examine the wound and leg, and may check pulses or order circulation testing to help understand whether the cause is venous, arterial or something else.
If compression is considered appropriate, a specialist may explain the type, how it is applied, how often it is typically changed, and what to watch for. They may also show you or a caregiver what is safe to do at home. Every plan is individualized and set by the treating clinician.
Questions you might bring to a visit: What is causing my ulcer? How would you stage or describe it? Is compression appropriate for me, and have my arteries been checked? What other treatment options exist? How long might healing take? What will my insurance cover?
The whole-person view
Leg ulcers affect the whole person. Pain, limited mobility, dressing changes and long healing times can wear on sleep, mood and daily routines, and stress can in turn affect how the body feels and copes. Body, mind and stress influence one another.
Some people find extra support helpful alongside medical care. Body-based approaches such as those offered through Somatic Experiences may help people explore how stress shows up physically, and talk therapy through Therapists.plus may help with the worry or frustration that can come with a long-term wound. These are complements to, not replacements for, care from a licensed clinician.
Somatic Experiences: trauma and emotional healing →Somatic Experiences: embodiment and movement →Therapists.plus: mind body connection →
Keep in mind
- Seek medical care promptly for signs of infection: spreading redness, red streaking, increasing warmth or pain, pus, foul odor, fever or chills, or a wound that is rapidly worsening.
- Call 911 or go to the ER for heavy bleeding, exposed bone or tendon, signs of sepsis, or a deep or severely contaminated wound.
- Compression can be unsafe if arterial blood flow is reduced, so do not start or change it without a licensed clinician's evaluation.
- This page is educational only and is not medical advice; licensed professionals should guide your care. If you are in a crisis, call or text 988.
Not sure where to start? Answer a few gentle questions and choose who you’d like to hear from.
Frequently asked questions
What is compression therapy for leg ulcers?
Compression therapy for leg ulcers is the use of bandages, wraps or stockings to apply controlled pressure to the lower leg. It is traditionally used for ulcers related to vein problems. A licensed clinician decides whether it is appropriate for a given person.
Is compression therapy safe for every leg ulcer?
No. If a leg has reduced arterial blood flow, compression may cause harm. That is why clinicians generally evaluate circulation before recommending it, and why it should be guided by a professional.
Can I use compression stockings on a leg ulcer myself?
It is best to talk with a licensed provider first. The right type, fit and level depend on the cause of the ulcer and your overall health, and the wrong choice may be unsafe.
What kind of specialist can help with leg ulcers?
Wound care specialists, and clinicians who focus on venous and arterial conditions, commonly evaluate leg ulcers. You can look for independent specialists through a directory like WoundKare and confirm their credentials.
How long does it take for a leg ulcer to heal with compression?
Healing time varies widely depending on the cause, the size and age of the wound, overall health and other factors, and no outcome can be promised. A provider can discuss what to expect for your situation.
Does insurance cover compression therapy for leg ulcers?
Coverage differs by plan, product and payer. Ask your provider's office and your insurer what is covered for your wound before starting.
Educational resource. WoundKare shares general information and connects people with independent wound care specialists. It is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk with a licensed professional about your health.