An indispensable task: Compression therapy
Adequate compression is the most effective treatment for the underlying disease in case of venous leg ulcers: chronic venous insufficiency. As long as an edema is present short stretch or zinc gel bandages are recommended (e.g. Comprilan or Gelocast). If no edema is present a compression stocking system (e.g. JOBST UlcerCARE) offers an effective and easy to use treatment.
The short stretch and zinc gel bandages support the venous return proximally and thus help to reduce edema.
Make sure
- to apply these bandages according to proven bandaging techniques like Pütter or Sigg
- to use adequate padding material to protect bony areas and improve patients compliance
- the patient is ambulant and encouraged to walk.
How to apply a compression bandage
Medical skin care and protection
A present wound should be treated with a modern wound dressing according to the status of the wound.
Medical skin care provides regeneration and care to stressed and dry skin.
A tubular bandage made of skin friendly cotton aids the patient comfort and prevents slippage.
Padding
Adequate padding material helps to distribute the pressure and protects bony prominences like the tibia and malleolus.
Foam rubber pads can be used to increase compression when edema is present.
Compression bandaging (example of modified Pütter technique)
The first compression bandage starts at the base of the toes and runs from distal to proximal.
After a loop-like turn below the hollow of the knee the remaining bandage runs distal with gentle stretch.
The second compression bandage runs in counter direction of the first one. It also starts at the toes and is applied up the leg toward the hollow of the knee. With the second bandage the leg is fully covered.
The tubular bandage is folded back and secured by an elastic cohesive bandage to protect the compression dressing from slippage.
