Venous skin ulcers develop when the lower leg veins and calf
muscles are weakened and cannot efficiently move the blood back
toward the heart. Pooled blood and fluid in the lower legs then
leads to tissue breakdown. You can prevent or heal a venous skin
ulcer by helping your blood circulate back toward your heart.
During sleep. While you are sleeping, you can help your blood
circulate back to your heart by elevating your feet above the
level of your heart. Prop the foot end of your bed up on 6 in.
(15.24 cm) to 8 in. (20.32 cm) blocks. While awake. During
waking hours, try to elevate your legs above the level of your
heart for 30 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day. Elevating your legs
may be all the treatment you need if you have mild venous
insufficiency. But if you continue to have problems with venous
skin ulcers, you will need additional treatment. Doing regular
foot and ankle exercises can help strengthen your leg muscles
and improve blood flow in your legs. While you are sitting (or
standing), flex your ankles