Pain Relief for Leg Ulcers

Leg ulcers are breaks in the skin that often include inflammation. The lesions do not heal easily, can cause significant pain, and can become infected. These factors can hamper one's ability to walk on the affected leg. Treatment for leg ulcers can provide much-needed relief.

Treatments

• Treatments for leg ulcers can target and lessen the pain. In the case of infected ulcers, antibiotics are recommended for the duration of infection. Antiplatelet medicines are used as often as needed to prevent blood clotting in the ulcer or anywhere else in the leg. Ibuprofen is often used to treat pain.

  Compression garments and topical wound treatments help clean the ulcer. The dressing on the leg should be changed often so that the wound is given a chance to breathe. If the wound gets no oxygen, it can dry the skin and slow the healing process. Prosthetics can be used temporarily to help restore leg function.

Ways to Avoid Ulcers

• Leg ulcers occur due to poor circulation in the leg arteries, which leads to a narrowing of the artery walls. Poor circulation may be caused by poor diet, obesity, or lack of exercise, among other factors. If you are obese and concerned about leg ulcers you should try to lose weight by balancing your diet and exercising more. Balance your diet by cutting out snacks like ice cream and potato chips and eating more fruits and vegetables. Exercise can create new blood vessels in your legs, which improves circulation in your legs. Try to stimulate new blood vessel growth by sitting in a chair and moving your legs up and down and in wide circles. Keep your feet comfortable by wearing shoes that fit well. This also helps improve circulation. Also keep your feet warm and try to avoid injuries to your feet or legs.