Understanding It
What a Leg Ulcer Is
A leg ulcer is a break in the skin below the knee that has not healed within the expected time: usually taken as two to four weeks.
The dressing is rarely the reason it is not healing. Most leg ulcers persist because of a circulation problem, and identifying which one is the single most important step.
Venous ulcers are the most common, caused by valves in the leg veins not working properly, so blood pools and pressure builds in the tissues. These typically respond well to compression therapy.
Arterial ulcers are caused by reduced blood supply into the leg. These are managed very differently, and compression can be harmful.
Mixed and other causes include diabetes-related ulcers, pressure damage, and less common conditions.
This is why assessment matters more than the dressing choice.
How does it usually present?
Venous ulcers:
- Typically, around the ankle or lower calf
- Shallow with irregular edges
- Often with moderate to heavy fluid
- Surrounding skin discoloured brown or hardened
- Aching legs that feel better elevated
- Swelling that worsens through the day.
Arterial ulcers:
- Often on the foot, toes or shin
- Deeper with well-defined edges
- Minimal fluid
- Cool pale foot
- Pain that is worse when the leg is elevated and better hanging down
- Pain at night
When to Act
When to Seek Help
See your GP or arrange a nursing assessment for any wound on the lower leg that has not healed in two to four weeks.Do not apply compression bandaging or stockings unless a clinician has assessed your arterial circulation. Compression applied to a leg with poor arterial supply can cause serious harm.
Seek urgent medical care if you have:
- Spreading redness, increasing pain, warmth, swelling or fever — possible cellulitis or spreading infection
- A sudden increase in pain, particularly with a pale, cold or blue foot — possible acute loss of blood supply, which is an emergency
- Foul odour, pus, or the wound rapidly deteriorating
- Black tissue developing in or around the wound
- Fever, shivering, confusion or feeling generally unwell with a wound present — possible systemic infection
Causes & Risk
What Causes It and Who Is at Risk
Risk factors include varicose veins, previous deep vein thrombosis, reduced mobility, prolonged standing, obesity, previous leg injury or surgery, diabetes, smoking, peripheral arterial disease, and increasing age.
Recurrence is common: a substantial proportion of healed venous ulcers return, which is why long-term management is recommended after healing.
How We Help
How Our Team Can Help
Our Registered Nurses assess the wound and, importantly, the reasons it is not healing. Where circulation testing has not been done, a GP review is required before proceeding. We report progress to your GP and escalate promptly where a wound is not responding as expected.
Nursing
Full wound assessment with measurement and photographic documentation, appropriate dressing selection and regular review, graduated compression therapy for venous ulcers (after vascular assessment), oedema management and elevation advice, skin care, and education for you and your family.
Podiatry
Involved when the ulcer is on the foot or diabetes is a factor.
Dietetics
Nutrition review where healing is compromised.
Where circulation testing has not been done, a GP review is required before proceeding. We report progress to your GP and escalate promptly where a wound is not responding as expected.
Starting Out
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
A nurse visits you at home. They will take a full history, examine the wound and the whole lower leg, check circulation and sensation, ask about swelling, pain pattern and previous treatments, and photograph and measure the wound as a baseline.
You will receive an explanation of what is likely preventing healing, a wound management plan, and a realistic timeframe. Where compression is indicated but vascular assessment is outstanding, a GP visit will be arranged.
Ready to book?
Ready to get started?
Contact inOne Healthcare on 1300 765 456 or submit a referral online. Leg ulcers are managed by our Nursing team, with Podiatry where the foot or diabetes is involved.
info@inonehealthcare.com.au
Flexible Options
Funding we accept.
Support at Home
For older Australians, nursing sits in the clinical care category and is fully government funded regardless of income or assets. Wound care is one of the most-used services in this category.
Home Care Package and CHSP
For eligible clients.
NDIS
Where wound care relates to a funded disability.
Medicare
A GP Chronic Condition Management Plan may allow rebated allied health services; nursing arrangements vary, and our team can explain what applies.
Private
No referral required.
Free 20min Consultation
Unsure what support you need, or have funding enquiries? Book a free 20-minute telehealth consultation with our team.