Frequently asked questions for venous disease

From understanding the signs of venous disease to learning how compression can aid recovery, our FAQs give you clear, reliable answers. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or managing a long-term condition, discover practical tips and expert guidance to help you care for your legs with confidence.

Venous disease means the veins in your legs do not work properly. The valves inside the veins can weaken, so blood collects in your lower legs instead of flowing back up to your heart. This can cause swelling, aching, skin changes and sometimes ulcers.

A venous leg ulcer is an open wound on the lower leg or ankle that does not heal within two weeks. It often happens when poor blood flow and swelling damage the skin. Even a small knock or scratch can turn into an ulcer if the veins are not working well.

Most venous leg ulcers heal in around 12 weeks with the right care and compression therapy. Some heal sooner, some take longer. Wearing compression, keeping active and caring for your skin helps the healing process.

Compression gently squeeze your legs to help blood flow back to your heart. This reduces swelling, helps the ulcer heal, and stops new ulcers from forming. Without compression, ulcers are much more likely to come back.

Venous leg ulcers can come back if the vein problem is not managed. Wearing compression every day, moving regularly, putting your feet up when resting, and protecting your skin all help stop this.

Any small bump or scratch can break fragile skin — like knocking your leg on a car door, furniture, walking frame or plant pot. If the veins do not work well, that small wound can quickly turn into a larger ulcer.

Yes, but follow your nurse’s instructions.

Your ulcer might be infected if you notice a bad smell, more pain, redness, swelling, or more fluid. Contact your nurse or GP quickly if this happens.

Find out more

Venous disease

Venous leg ulcer

A venous leg ulcer can start from any small wound or knock that breaks the skin.

Venous disease

Understanding venous disease

Find out how venous disease affects how blood flows through the veins alongside the causes and symptoms.

Venous disease

Recommend compression garments for venous disease

Choosing the right compression garment is key to managing venous disease effectively. This page guides you through everything you need to know, from recommended compression garments which allows you to select the style, fit, and pressure level that’s best for you.

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