Information for the public
Compression products for treating venous leg ulcers include hosiery (socks and stockings), bandages and wraps. You should have access to compression products to treat your leg ulcer that are clinically appropriate and meet your needs and preferences.
You and your healthcare professional should decide together which compression product to use (see our webpage on shared decision making). Decisions should take into account how the choice of product might affect:
- your ability to carry out day-to-day tasks
- how closely you are able to follow the treatment plan
- your physical health, including if you can put the product on yourself
- your mental health and wellbeing
- your relationships with others, including whether you have informal carer support at home.
Evidence shows that compression hosiery is more cost effective than compression bandaging. So, if both compression hosiery and bandaging are clinically appropriate and meet your needs and preferences, then your healthcare professional will talk with you about using hosiery to treat your venous leg ulcer. If both compression bandages and hosiery are unsuitable then compression wraps may be offered.
Things to consider when using compression products to treat a venous leg ulcer
You should be made aware of how you can access products that support using the compression product, such as waterproof protectors or overshoes for compression bandages.
You should also be supported if you have any issues or wish to change to another type of compression product.
Information and support
The NHS webpage on venous leg ulcers may be a good place to find out more.
The Lindsay Leg Club Foundation (01473 749565) can give you advice and support.
You can also get support from your local Healthwatch.
NICE is not responsible for the quality or accuracy of any information or advice provided by these organisations.
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