How to Heal Leg Ulcers Naturally

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: February 14, 2022 References Approved

It can be really frustrating to deal with leg ulcers. Fortunately, there are many easy ways to help an ulcer heal. The most common cause of leg ulcers is the poor circulation of blood. So, the best way to heal a leg ulcer is to improve blood circulation. Before starting any self-treatment, however, it is important to first determine whether the ulcer is caused by problems with your veins or arteries, because treatments for the 2 types of ulcers are different. After that, there are a number of things you can do to help your leg ulcer heal naturally.^{[1]
X
Research source}

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Treating the Ulcer Medically

1
Visit your doctor to get information about your ulcer. Treatment for an ulcer depends on whether it is an arterial ulcer (caused by problems with arteries) or a venous ulcer (caused by problems with veins). Treating an arterial ulcer is often a matter of urgency. So it is important to first call your doctor and get their professional advice before trying to heal an ulcer on your own.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Your doctor will first examine the wound and then take blood pressure readings at the ankle and arm to measure the blood flow in your lower leg.^{[3]
  X
  Research source}
- Venous leg ulcers are more common than arterial ulcers, making up over 90% of all cases.^{[4]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Johns Hopkins Medicine
  Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital
  Go to source}
2
Consider surgery to treat an arterial leg ulcer. A blocked or narrowed artery is the most common cause of an arterial leg ulcer. This blockage reduces the amount of blood that can flow to tissue in your leg. Poor blood flow can deprive the tissue of oxygen and nutrients, possibly leading to the death of the tissue. For this reason, treating an arterial leg ulcer is an urgent matter.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- Your doctor may refer you to a vascular surgeon who may perform surgery either to clear out the blocked artery (angioplasty) or to add a new route for blood to flow along and bypass the blockage.
- While your external wound may heal in as little as 2 weeks after the surgery, it may take several months for the underlying tissues to fully heal.^{[6]
  X
  Research source}
Advertisement
3
Clean and dress a leg ulcer with the help of medical professionals. When you visit a hospital or clinic, the first thing your doctor or nurse will do will be to clean dead tissue and debris from a leg ulcer. They’ll then use a dressing to dress the ulcer. Cleaning and dressing the ulcer once a week will help the ulcer heal naturally.^{[7]
X
Trustworthy Source
Johns Hopkins Medicine
Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital
Go to source}
- You should clean and dress the ulcer under the supervision of a medical professional.
- Most venous ulcers heal in 3-4 months, but some need more time. Be patient and follow the advice of your doctor.^{[8]
  X
  Research source}
4
Wear a compression bandage for a venous leg ulcer. A compression bandage will help reduce swelling and improve blood circulation in your leg, helping blood flow back up to the heart. A compression bandage will also help treat swelling. These bandages are typically changed once a week, and should be worn every day, exactly as instructed by your doctor.^{[9]
X
Trustworthy Source
Johns Hopkins Medicine
Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital
Go to source}
- Only a trained healthcare professional can apply a compression bandage properly, so follow the treatment regimen recommended by your doctor.
- Some medical professionals will use compression stockings and other compressive devices instead of compression bandages, but these work in the same way.^{[10]
  X
  Research source}
- Compression treatment cannot be used to treat arterial ulcers because it would reduce rather than increase blood supply to the leg.^{[11]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
  Go to source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Helping the Ulcer Heal

1
Walk regularly to help your leg ulcer heal more quickly. Sitting for long periods of time can make swelling around your leg ulcer worse. So, keep active. Regular exercise is one of the best things you can do to improve blood circulation in your leg and help your leg ulcer heal naturally. Just adding walks into your daily routine will do a lot of good for your ulcer.^{[12]
X
Research source}
- A daily 30-minute walk will help reduce swelling and improve blood flow in your leg.
- Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and socks that don’t aggravate your leg ulcer.
2
Elevate your leg when you sit or lie down to ease the swelling of a venous ulcer. Whenever you sit down, elevate your legs to keep blood in your leg from pooling. When you elevate your affected leg, make it so that your toes are level with your eyes.^{[13]
X
Research source}
- You can use a sofa cushion, pillows, a suitcase, or a foam wedge to keep your legs raised.
- Put one of the above items under your mattress, so that your legs will be elevated when you sleep during the night.
- Elevate your feet for at least a few minutes every hour.
- Keep your legs hanging down if you have an arterial leg ulcer.
3
Exercise your legs regularly to encourage better circulation. Another thing you should do when you’re sitting down is move your legs and feet around. To do this, move your feet up and down, and rotate your ankles.^{[14]
X
Research source}
- You should move your legs around whenever you’re sitting for a prolonged period. Moving them for a few minutes once an hour is a good rule of thumb.
4
Eat a healthy diet. Your daily diet should include a variety of fruits and vegetables, starchy carbohydrates, proteins, dairy, and oil. Eating a balanced diet is important to get your body all the nutrients it needs to stay healthy.^{[15]
X
Research source}
- Losing weight can also help prevent and heal ulcers.^{[16]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  MedlinePlus
  Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine
  Go to source}
5
Stop smoking to keep your blood vessels open. Tobacco has the side effect of constricting vessels of the circulatory system. To heal a venous leg ulcer naturally, the most important thing you can do is to help keep these vessels as wide open as possible.^{[17]
X
Research source}
- You should also consider moderating your consumption of alcohol.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy may help you quit smoking naturally. A therapist can help you change your thinking about smoking and can give you a set of skills to cope with the difficult process.^{[18]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  American Psychological Association
  Leading scientific and professional organization of licensed psychologists
  Go to source}
6
Protect your affected leg from further injury. Wear comfortable and well-fitting footwear to avoid aggravating your ulcer. Avoid scratching your legs, since doing so can damage the skin and cause new ulcers.^{[19]
X
Research source}
- Many people with venous leg ulcers experience rashes and itchy skin. Varicose eczema is often the cause.
- Keep your skin well moisturized with a moisturizing lotion.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

When to Seek Medical Care

1
See your doctor if you have a leg sore that doesn’t heal in 2-3 weeks. Most wounds heal or improve on their own within a few weeks. If you have a sore on your leg that doesn’t show signs of healing in that time, call your doctor. They can determine what type of ulcer you have and what might be causing it.^{[20]
X
Trustworthy Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- Other symptoms of leg ulcers include itching, redness, swelling, and fluid leaking from the wound.
- The affected leg may also feel heavy, achy, or tight.
2
Get medical attention if your symptoms get worse. If your ulcer isn’t healing even with medical care, or if you notice your symptoms changing or getting worse, call your doctor right away. You may have a secondary infection in the wound, and you’ll probably need to treat it with medication. Common signs of infection include:^{[21]
X
Trustworthy Source
MedlinePlus
Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine
Go to source}
- Worsening redness, swelling, pain, or warmth around the wound
- Pus, blood, or yellowish or cloudy fluid coming from the wound
- A bad odor
- Fever, chills, or a general feeling of being unwell
3
Work with your doctor to manage any underlying conditions. Treating the condition that’s causing your ulcer may help it heal better or prevent new ulcers from forming. Talk to your doctor about how to manage any medical issues you have that could be causing your ulcer.^{[22]
X
Research source}
- You may be at risk of developing leg ulcers if you have an arterial disease (such as peripheral artery disease), diabetes, or arthritis.
- Some medications can also put you at risk. If your doctor thinks your medication is causing your ulcers, talk to them about adjusting your dose or taking other measures to reduce unwanted side effects.