On attending our outpatients department, patients will be taken into our treatment room. At this point their wounds are cleaned and measured. When appropriate pictures may be taken and mapped to track the progress of the wound healing.
Pressure readings are then taken from the lower legs and arms using a hand held Doppler along with the patient’s medical history. The patient will be examined further by the doctor from a holistic viewpoint, taking into account all aspect of their health and feeling the pulses in the leg and groin area.
An explanation as to the possible problem may be discussed and a treatment plan discussed. In some cases further tests will be required, these tests may include an ultrasound of the veins and/or arteries in the legs, and MRI of the arteries and or blood tests.
Available treatment options will be discussed with the patient and choices offered where possible prior to commencing therapy.
Treatment and follow up
Any possible therapy will commence on the day, this could include:
- Compression bandaging
- Compression hosiery
- Dressing of wound
On leaving the outpatients department the patient should have an understanding of what may be causing their ulcer and what treatment they can undergo. Follow up care will be discussed and a follow up clinic appointment will be arranged.