Wound care |

Support your healing by making the right choices

A bowl of delicious looking food. Photo.

Nourishing your body is essential

When managing venous leg ulcers, every choice you make matters. A balanced diet provides the essential nutrients your body needs to repair tissue, reduce swelling, and fight infection. Regular movement helps boost circulation, reduce fluid buildup, and promote faster recovery. In this section, we will show you how simple adjustments to your diet and daily activities can make a real difference in your healing journey.

Protein

Protein is essential for wound healing to help tissue repair. Eating enough protein helps to support the production of collagen, which helps your body to recover faster, reducing the risk of infection. Try to include two portions daily from sources like lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy, beans or nuts.

Protein examples:

  • A platter with hotdogs, greens and mashed potatoes. Illustration.

    Meat
    Chicken, beef, turkey, pork

  • Fish. Illustration.

    Fish
    Salmon, cod, sardines

  • Beans. Illustration.

    Beans
    Baked beans, lentils, peas, split peas, chickpeas)

 

Minerals & vitamins

Aim for five portions daily of fruit and vegetables - fresh, frozen, or dried. Foods rich in vitamin C (such as berries, oranges, and peppers) help build collagen, keeping your skin strong and flexible.

Portion examples:

  • A carrot. Illustration.

    Vegetables
    Broccoli, cabbage, carrots, peas, sweetcorn, cucumber, aubergine, etc.

  • Bananas. Illustration.

    Fruits
    Banana, berries, pineapple, apples, orange, apricots, etc

  •    

 

  • A glass of water. Illustration.


  • Drink more water daily

    Drinking six to eight glasses of water daily keeps your skin hydrated, improves circulation, and reduces swelling in your legs. Eating well is a simple yet powerful way to support your healing. If you need help with meal planning, ask your nurse or doctor for advice.

 

An elderly lady with a walking stick. Photo.

Moving your body is essential

Staying active, even in small ways, can improve circulation, reduce swelling, and support healing. If you’re wearing compression bandages or garments, regular movement will make them even more effective.

  • A walking person. Illustration.

    Walk regularly
    Try to walk as often as possible while wearing your compression garments or bandages. Movement helps improve circulation, reduces swelling, and supports the healing process.

  • Legs on a stool. Illustration.

    Elevate your legs
    Raising your legs helps blood and fluid flow back to your heart, improving circulation and reducing swelling. Make it a habit to elevate your legs whenever possible.

 

Keep moving, even when sitting

Stay mobile with simple seated exercises. If you experience joint or lower back pain, stop the exercise. A mild pulling sensation in the muscles is normal, but if you feel pain, stop and speak with your nurse or doctor for guidance.

  • A pair of feet doing ankle rolls. Illustration.

    Ankle rolls

    • Sit up straight with your feet flat on the floor.
    • Lift one foot and rotate your ankle in a circle.
    •  Repeat with the other foot.
  • A foot performing toe raises. Illustration.

    Toe raises

    • Keep your heels on the floor and lift your toes up.
    • Lower them back down.
  • A foot doing heel raises. Illustration.

    Heel raises

    • Keep your toes on the floor and lift your heels up.
    • Lower them back down.

 

  • A pair of legs doing leg raises. Illustration.

    Leg raises

    • Sit upright with your feet flat on the floor.
    • Straighten one leg, hold for a moment, then lower it back down.
    • Repeat with the other leg.
  • A pair of legs doing knee raises. Illustration.

    Knee presses

    • Press your hands down onto your knees.
    • Gently lift one knee against the pressure of your hands.
  •      

 

If you experience any pain, stop and speak with your nurse or doctor for guidance. Even small movements can make a big difference in your healing journey. Stay as active as you can!

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