Venous leg ulcers (VLUs), also called stasis ulcers, are wounds on the leg or ankle caused by poor blood circulation. These ulcers are caused by several issues, including age, damaged valves, obesity, deep vein thrombosis, prolonged standing or sedentary lifestyle, smoking, chronic venous insufficiency, and medical conditions. Diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure are medical conditions that can cause venous leg ulcers.
Poor circulation can cause blood to pool in the legs and leach out of the veins, resulting in ongoing expansion of the skin. While the skin can withstand a certain amount of trauma, repeated expansion and contraction will eventually cause the skin’s collagen to break down. If left unchecked, a venous leg ulcer will form.
Symptoms of VLUs often include pain, leg or ankle swelling, varicose veins, aching or cramping in the legs, changes in skin texture and discoloration. Poor blood flow in the legs makes it hard for these wounds to heal on their own, which is why they often require treatment from a wound care doctor to heal and avoid infection. These ulcers can significantly impact one’s quality of life, making quick treatment and healing essential.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT and HBO therapy), which involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber, is an increasingly popular treatment for venous leg ulcers. By increasing the amount of oxygen dissolved in the blood, HBOT enhances oxygen’s delivery to tissues and oxygen-deprived cells, leading to improved and expedited wound healing. While it’s not the only treatment option, HBOT has been a source of relief and healing for many who suffer from venous leg ulcers. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy offers several benefits that help VULs:
The pressurized environment created by the hyperbaric oxygen chamber allows for greater oxygen absorption throughout the body. This is crucial for healing tissues and combating infections.
Increased oxygen levels can accelerate the repair of damaged tissues and improve overall wound healing. HBOT also increases the quality of oxygen being delivered to open wounds, such as venous leg ulcers, thereby promoting healthy cell development and tissue healing.
Venous leg ulcers form after collagen in the skin has been broken down. By increasing the amount of oxygen to damaged cells, hyperbaric oxygen therapy stimulates collagen growth, promoting the healing of venous leg ulcers.
HBOT can help decrease inflammation and swelling, which can further contribute to the healing process. It not only promotes the body’s production of anti-inflammatory compounds, but it also reduces certain inflammatory proteins.
By improving oxygen levels in the tissues, HBOT supports the body’s natural defense mechanisms against infections, which is critical in healing venous leg ulcers. HBOT does this by promoting the growth of white blood cells, ultimately improving one’s immune system.
Like any other medical treatment, hyperbaric oxygen therapy comes with some potential limitations. It’s also important to keep in mind that each individual patient is different, so the effectiveness of HBOT may vary. While HBOT offers significant benefits, it is not a cure-all and comes with limitations:
Cost and Accessibility: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be expensive, and access to HBOT chambers may be limited in some areas. There are many people beginning to advocate for HBOT becoming more widely available and affordable, however.
Not a Standalone Treatment: While it can still be beneficial when used alone, HBOT is most effective when used in conjunction with other treatments for venous leg ulcers, such as compression therapy and proper wound care.
Potential Side Effects: For the most part, HBOT is a safe treatment option for venous leg ulcers. As is the case with most medical treatments, however, there are potential side effects. Although rare, side effects can include ear pain, temporary vision changes, or, in severe cases, oxygen toxicity.
Variable Efficacy: The effectiveness of HBO therapy can vary among patients, and it may not be suitable for everyone, depending on the underlying health conditions and the severity of the ulcers.
Before utilizing hyperbaric oxygen therapy to treat venous leg ulcers, it’s advisable to consult with a wound expert. While many people with venous leg ulcers are candidates for HBOT, a wound care doctor can determine the best treatments for each individual patient.
While hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be helpful in managing venous leg ulcers, it’s most effective when used in conjunction with other treatments. Other than HBOT, several other treatments can be employed to manage venous leg ulcers effectively:
This is a cornerstone of venous ulcer treatment. Compression stockings or bandages, such as multi-layered Tubigrips, help reduce swelling and improve blood flow, aiding in the healing of venous leg ulcers.
Proper cleaning, debridement (removal of dead tissue), and dressing changes are essential to prevent infection and promote healing.
Topical antibiotics or systemic antibiotics may be prescribed if there is an infection. Pain management and medications to improve venous circulation can also be part of the treatment plan.
This device uses neuromuscular electrostimulation to stimulate the calf muscles, which can enhance venous return and aid in the healing process of venous leg ulcers.
This technique can be self-applied and is particularly effective for patients with lymphedema. It involves using a pump to intermittently inflate and deflate a sleeve around the leg. This helps to improve venous return and reduce swelling.
Advanced treatments include bilayered living cellular constructs (BLCC) and 3D-printed hydrogel dressings. BLCCs are living skin substitutes that promote tissue regeneration, while 3D-printed hydrogels provide a scaffold for tissue growth and enhance wound healing.
If more conventional means of healing a venous leg ulcer aren’t effective, more advanced treatments, such as the use of placental allografts, may be necessary. Placental allografts are administered through the injection of placental-based stem cells. Placental tissue can aid in the growth and repair of the tissue affected by venous leg ulcers.
After a venous leg ulcer has been addressed and healed, patients can avoid future ulcers with regular exercise, weight loss, and by avoiding extended periods of standing or sitting. This can help manage VLU symptoms and prevent recurrence.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy represents a valuable tool in the management of venous leg ulcers, offering enhanced healing and infection control. By effectively delivering oxygen throughout the body, HBOT promotes tissue repair, boosts collagen production, and reduces inflammation, among other benefits. It works best, however, when integrated with other treatments for venous leg ulcers.
At AZ Wound & Hyperbaric Medicine, we offer a range of treatments for venous leg ulcers, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
By understanding the full spectrum of advanced treatment options and their respective benefits, we can help develop a treatment plan that’s specifically tailored to you. After healing your venous leg ulcer, we’ll provide aftercare support, including education to help you and your loved one’s care for your ulcers and assistance with ongoing compression maintenance to prevent recurrence.
If you or someone you know is suffering from venous leg ulcers, contact AZ Wound & Hyperbaric Medicine to schedule an appointment today.
At AZ Wound & Hyperbaric Medicine, we specialize in personalized treatments for venous leg ulcers, including Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. Our experienced team is committed to helping you heal faster and prevent future complications. Take the next step toward recovery today.
Advanced Personalized Wound Care Solutions and Wound Experts Serving Metro Phoenix.