Patient Education: Venous Stasis Ulcer Wound

What Is a Venous Stasis Ulcer?

A venous stasis ulcer is a sore that usually forms on the lower leg or ankle. It happens when blood does not flow properly back to the heart, causing pressure and fluid buildup in the veins. Over time, this pressure can break down the skin and form a slow-healing ulcer.

Causes of Venous Stasis Ulcers

Poor blood flow in the legs (venous insufficiency)
History of blood clots in the legs
Swelling or edema in the legs
Varicose veins
Obesity or lack of movement
Trauma or injury to the leg

Prevention

Elevate your legs above heart level several times a day.
Wear compression stockings as prescribed.
Avoid standing or sitting for long periods without moving.
Exercise your legs to improve circulation.
Keep skin clean and moisturized.
Check your legs daily for redness, swelling, or sores.

Treatment (as per your doctor’s order)

Clean the wound gently as instructed.
Cover the ulcer with a prescribed dressing.
Dressings may be changed daily or as directed.
Compression therapy may be used to reduce swelling.
Take prescribed medicines, such as antibiotics or pain medications.
Avoid walking barefoot or putting pressure directly on the ulcer.

What To Do if the Dressing is Compromised

A compromised dressing is wet, dirty, loose, or has fallen off.

Wash your hands before touching the wound.
Replace with a clean dressing if you have supplies.
If you cannot replace it, contact your home health nurse immediately.
If the wound is bleeding heavily, go to the emergency room.

Signs and Symptoms of Infection

Redness or warmth around the ulcer
Swelling in the area
Thick, yellow, or foul-smelling drainage
Fever or chills
Increased pain

Signs and Symptoms of Worsening Wound

Ulcer becomes larger or deeper
Edges of the wound pull apart
Skin around the ulcer breaks down
Wound does not show signs of healing after weeks

Diet for Wound Healing

Protein-rich foods: chicken, fish, eggs, beans, tofu
Fruits and vegetables: especially vitamin C-rich foods like oranges and strawberries
Whole grains for energy
Zinc-rich foods: seeds, nuts, lean meat
Drink plenty of water

⚠️ Important: If you have kidney problems, talk to your doctor or home health nurse before changing your diet. Some foods may not be safe.

When to Contact Your Home Health Nurse or Doctor

Dressing becomes loose, wet, or dirty
Mild redness, swelling, or drainage appears
Pain increases slightly
Questions about wound care, compression therapy, or diet

When to Go to the Emergency Room

Heavy bleeding that does not stop
Large amounts of pus or foul-smelling drainage
Fever with chills
Rapidly spreading redness
Severe pain not relieved by medicine
Signs of sepsis (confusion, rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing)

Additional Information

Avoid putting pressure directly on the ulcer.
Always follow your compression therapy instructions.
Elevate your legs whenever possible to help circulation.
Avoid smoking as it reduces blood flow and slows healing.

Patient Homework/Assessment – True or False

True or False: A venous stasis ulcer usually forms on the lower leg or ankle.
True or False: Poor blood flow in the legs can cause venous stasis ulcers.
True or False: Blood clots in the past increase the risk of venous stasis ulcers.
True or False: You should elevate your legs to help prevent ulcers.
True or False: Compression stockings help reduce swelling and improve healing.
True or False: Sitting or standing for long periods does not affect leg ulcers.
True or False: Walking barefoot is safe if you have a venous stasis ulcer.
True or False: A compromised dressing is wet, dirty, loose, or off the wound.
True or False: If the dressing is compromised, you should call your nurse or doctor.
True or False: Redness, swelling, warmth, or pus may be signs of infection.
True or False: Ulcers getting larger or deeper indicate the wound is healing well.
True or False: Protein, fruits, vegetables, and zinc-rich foods help wounds heal.
True or False: People with kidney disease should check with a doctor before changing their diet.
True or False: Mild redness or drainage is always an emergency.
True or False: Elevating your legs helps improve blood circulation.
True or False: Compression therapy should always be done as prescribed.
True or False: Smoking does not affect wound healing.
True or False: Heavy bleeding that does not stop requires going to the emergency room.
True or False: Rapidly spreading redness around the ulcer is a reason to seek urgent care.
True or False: Avoid putting pressure directly on the ulcer to help it heal.

Answer Key with Explanations

True – Venous stasis ulcers usually occur on the lower legs or ankles.
True – Poor venous blood flow contributes to ulcers.
True – History of blood clots increases risk of venous stasis ulcers.
True – Elevating legs reduces swelling and pressure.
True – Compression stockings improve circulation and reduce edema.
False – Long periods of immobility worsen venous ulcers.
False – Walking barefoot increases risk of injury and infection.
True – Wet, dirty, loose, or fallen-off dressings are compromised.
True – Always notify nurse or doctor if dressing is compromised.
True – These are common infection signs.
False – Larger, deeper wounds indicate worsening, not healing.
True – Proper nutrition supports wound repair.
True – Kidney disease may limit safe food or protein intake.
False – Mild redness or drainage can be monitored unless it worsens.
True – Leg elevation helps blood flow back to the heart.
True – Proper compression therapy is key for healing.
False – Smoking slows blood flow and wound healing.
True – Uncontrolled bleeding is an emergency.
True – Spreading redness may indicate infection spreading.
True – Pressure on the ulcer delays healing and can worsen the wound.