CompressionTherapy
Compression therapy is a cornerstone treatment for venous leg ulcers, chronic venous insufficiency, and swelling-related wounds. Our physician-led team evaluates your circulation, skin, swelling, and wound type before selecting the safest compression plan to support healing, reduce fluid buildup, and lower the risk of recurrence.
What Is Compression Therapy?
Compression therapy uses carefully calibrated external pressure — applied through bandages, stockings, or pneumatic devices — to counteract the elevated venous pressure that causes venous leg ulcers. By mechanically supporting the venous walls and accelerating blood return to the heart, compression addresses the root cause of venous wounds rather than just managing the surface.
In venous insufficiency, damaged or incompetent vein valves allow blood to pool in the lower leg. This sustained elevated pressure damages capillaries, causes fluid leakage into tissues, and creates the inflammatory, hypoxic wound environment that prevents healing. No dressing — however advanced — can overcome this unless the underlying venous hypertension is treated.
At Hill Country Wound Care, compression is prescribed and managed by our board-certified wound care physicians — not applied generically. We assess your Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI), limb measurements, and wound characteristics to select the optimal compression system for your specific vascular anatomy and lifestyle.
Compression therapy is the most evidence-based intervention for venous ulcers — more impactful than any wound dressing used without it.
Types of Compression Therapy
Our physicians select the right compression system for your wound, vascular status, and daily activity level — not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Multi-Layer Compression Bandaging
A layered system of foam padding, crepe, and elastic bandages applied from the foot to the knee. Each layer contributes to a calibrated graduated pressure profile — strongest at the ankle, decreasing toward the knee. The gold standard for active venous ulcer treatment.
Compression Stockings & Garments
Medical-grade graduated compression hosiery (20–40+ mmHg) prescribed for long-term venous insufficiency management and ulcer recurrence prevention. Our physicians specify the exact compression class and style based on your ABI and limb measurements.
Inelastic / Short-Stretch Bandaging
High-stiffness bandages that provide a firm, non-yielding casing around the limb. Unlike elastic systems, short-stretch bandaging works with muscle contraction — delivering high working pressure during activity while resting pressure remains low. Ideal for patients with mixed arterial-venous disease.
Pneumatic Compression Devices
Pneumatic compression devices may be considered for select patients as an added therapy when swelling is difficult to control or when standard compression needs additional support. Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) uses sleeves that rhythmically inflate and deflate to simulate the pumping action of walking — used alongside, not instead of, standard compression bandaging or stockings.
Benefits & Clinical Outcomes
Compression treats the cause of venous ulcers — not just the wound. The outcomes speak for themselves.
Reverses Venous Hypertension
Venous ulcers are caused by sustained elevated venous pressure that damages capillaries and skin. Compression directly counteracts this by mechanically supporting venous walls and accelerating venous return — addressing the root cause, not just the symptom.
Dramatically Accelerates Healing
Clinical evidence consistently shows that compression therapy heals venous leg ulcers 2–3x faster than dressings alone. Adequate compression is the single most important intervention for venous ulcers — more impactful than any wound dressing.
Helps Reduce Recurrence Risk
Without lifelong compression, venous ulcers recur in over 70% of patients within 3 years. Maintenance compression stockings reduce recurrence rates to under 20% — making long-term compliance the most critical factor in lasting healing.
Reduces Pain & Heaviness
The chronic aching, heaviness, and swelling of venous insufficiency improve significantly with graduated compression. Most patients experience meaningful symptom relief within the first few weeks of consistent compression use.
Compression Therapy for Venous Ulcers & Leg Swelling
From active venous leg ulcers to chronic swelling and recurrence prevention, compression therapy can play an important role in healing and long-term vein health. Our team selects the type and level of compression based on your circulation, wound condition, skin health, comfort, and treatment goals.
Venous Leg Ulcers
- Active venous ulcers of any duration
- Recurrent or chronic venous ulcers
- Wounds with significant peri-wound edema
Chronic Venous Insufficiency
- Varicose veins with skin changes (lipodermatosclerosis)
- Chronic lower extremity edema
- Hemosiderin staining and skin thickening
Lymphedema
- Primary and secondary lymphedema
- Mixed venous-lymphatic insufficiency
- Post-surgical lymphedema following cancer treatment
Post-Thrombotic Syndrome
- Edema and skin changes following DVT
- Wounds in the setting of prior deep vein thrombosis
- Chronic venous obstruction with ulceration
Diabetic Wounds with Swelling or Venous Disease
- Diabetic wounds with coexisting venous insufficiency
- Lower extremity edema in diabetic patients
- Compression may be appropriate after circulation (ABI) and sensation are evaluated
Wound Prevention
- Healed venous ulcer — long-term recurrence prevention
- High-risk patients with CVI prior to ulceration
- Post-skin graft compression to support graft take
If you have a venous leg ulcer, compression is not optional — it is the treatment. Wound dressings without compression cannot overcome venous hypertension. Our physicians ensure every venous wound patient receives the right compression from day one.
Hill Country Wound Care and Hyperbarics provides expert compression therapy for venous ulcers and lymphedema at our three Greater San Antonio locations: Bulverde, Live Oak, and Southwest San Antonio. Our physicians perform ABI testing to ensure safety before treatment. To schedule an appointment, call (210) 610-8154.
Stop the Cycle of Venous Ulcer Recurrence
Expert compression therapy — prescribed and managed by board-certified wound physicians — is the most effective path to healing venous wounds and keeping them healed.
Hill Country Wound Care and Hyperbarics offers physician-managed compression therapy for venous leg ulcers and chronic venous insufficiency in San Antonio, Texas. This is the cornerstone of treatment for venous wounds. Our team performs ABI testing before starting therapy to ensure safety and selects the appropriate compression system for each patient. We accept Medicare and most major insurance plans at our clinics in Bulverde, Live Oak, and Southwest San Antonio.