Leg wounds can occur from a variety of reasons, including obesity, immobilization, traumatic wounds, secondary to vasculitis or occlusive vasculopathy.
Why do leg wounds benefit from compression therapy?
The effects of compressive therapy on leg wounds are, among others:
- Decreased capillary filtration
- Increased local lymphatic drainage
- Reduction of inflammation
- Increased arterial flow
These benefits justify the recommendation to use compression therapy, provided it is not contraindicated, in any leg with a wound.
Pneumatic Compression Therapy (aka. Intermittent Pneumatic Compression) has been used since the early 1950’s and is widely adopted around the world today. It is the recommended treatment in the clinical practice guidelines of Wounds Canada, the Society for Vascular Surgery, American Venous Forum and Wound Healing Society for the treatment of Venous Leg Ulcers and Arterial Ulcers.
ONLY QUALIFIED/TRAINED RETAILERS CAN DISPENSE A PNEUMATIC COMPRESSION PUMPS IN CANADA. A PRESCRIPTION IS REQUIRED.
Wounds Canada recommends the use of IPC (Intermittent Compression Pumps) for leg ulcers and wounds. Read their Best Practice Recommendations for the prevention and management of Venous Leg Ulcers here.
A randomized controlled trial study shows that using Intermittent Pneumatic Compression (IPC) reduced by 1.6-fold the median time to complete healing.
READ THE STUDY HERE
CONCLUSIONS
The median time to healing by 9 months was 141 days for the IPC-treated group and 211 days for the control group (P = .031).
The rate of healing was 1.1 mm/d for the control group and 2.3 mm/d for the group treated with IPC (P < .05).
Compared with subjects treated with compression alone, the group treated with IPC reported less pain at each evaluation point for the first 6 weeks.
Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Devices for the treatment of Venous Insufficiency and Venous Ulcers (Leg Wounds) may be covered by private insurance. Check with your insurance provider!
*As a Class II Medical Device regulated by Health Canada, a prescription is required.
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