Application of external pressure to the lower legs to manage edema and venous disease.
Healix360 supports access to advanced mobile wound care services for patients throughout our coverage area. Services are delivered by licensed physicians and nurse practitioners experienced in the evaluation and management of chronic and complex wounds. Care is coordinated and provided directly to patients in private residences, assisted living communities, and skilled nursing facilities. Compression works by counteracting venous hypertension. The bandages apply the highest pressure at the ankle, gradually decreasing up the calf. This creates a gradient that forces pooled, oxygen-depleted blood and interstitial fluid back into the deep veins and up toward the heart. By restoring the efficiency of the calf muscle pump and reducing local edema, the surrounding tissue is re-oxygenated, allowing chronic wounds to heal.
A licensed clinician determines whether this treatment is appropriate after evaluating the wound and the patient's medical history.
Treatment decisions are individualized. Potential contraindications and precautions may include:
Before applying compression, our clinician will perform a vascular assessment to ensure your arteries can handle the pressure. They will then wrap your leg using a multi-layer system (usually 2 to 4 layers) that feels firm and supportive, much like a cast but softer. You will wear these wraps continuously until your next visit, typically 1 to 2 times a week.
AHRQ and international vascular societies universally state that adequate, sustained compression therapy is the single most important intervention for healing venous leg ulcers. Studies show healing rates more than double when high-level compression is appropriately utilized.
Store-bought socks generally do not provide the high 'working pressure' required to heal an active venous ulcer. We use medical-grade, multi-layer bandage systems during the active healing phase, transitioning you to custom garments once healed.
They must be tight to overcome the high pressure in your damaged veins and force fluid out of your leg. However, they should feel firmly supportive, not painfully restrictive. If you experience sharp pain or toe numbness, you should contact us immediately.
No. The wraps must remain on 24/7 to be effective. Removing them allows the fluid to immediately rush back into the leg, reversing the progress. You will need to sponge bathe or use a waterproof cast protector.
Multi-layer wraps can be bulky. You may need to wear a slightly larger shoe, a supportive sandal, or a specialized cast shoe provided by your clinician to ensure safe ambulation.
It depends on the severity. If you have severe, uncompensated heart failure, pushing fluid back into your circulation can be dangerous. Our clinicians coordinate closely with your cardiologist before initiating treatment.
Call 877-545-1300 or request a provider to begin care. Healix360 serves Southern California and Nevada and accepts Medicare Part B and most major insurance plans.