Treating Leg Ulcers with Softlaser – How to Support Healing at Home?

What is a leg ulcer, and why is it so stubborn?

An ulcer is tissue death of the skin and underlying structures that creates an open wound. A leg ulcer typically develops in the area between the ankle and the knee and is notoriously difficult to heal. While a normal cut may scar over within a few weeks, an ulcer can remain open for months or even years.

The reason lies in an underlying circulatory disorder: tissues do not receive enough oxygen and nutrients, waste products do not clear properly — so the wound becomes "stuck" in a chronic, non-healing state.

Types of leg ulcers

Based on origin, ulcers are divided into three main types:

Venous ulcers – the most common, accounting for 70–80% of cases. They result from varicose vein disease: valve insufficiency causes blood to pool in the lower limb, exerting prolonged pressure on the tissues. They typically appear on the inner side of the ankle, are shallow with irregular edges, and often exude fluid. Background: varicose vein disease article.

Arterial ulcers – caused by narrowing of the arteries, so the tissues do not receive sufficient blood. They typically develop on the toes, heel or the front of the lower leg. They are deep with sharp edges and are accompanied by severe pain.

Diabetic ulcers – diabetes attacks the foot in two ways: it damages nerves (neuropathy) and small vessels (microangiopathy). Because of sensory loss, injuries often go unnoticed, while poor blood supply slows healing. They most commonly occur on the sole or toes.

How does softlaser therapy work?

Softlaser therapy (also called photobiomodulation) is a treatment method that delivers low-energy light to the tissues. This light does not cut or burn — instead it acts at the cellular level.

The laser light energy is absorbed by the cells' mitochondria (their "power plants"). As a result:

• it may support cellular energy production (ATP synthesis);
• it can favorably influence local blood circulation;
• it can contribute to reducing inflammatory processes;
• it may support collagen production and tissue regeneration.

In simple terms: softlaser can "wake up" slowed healing processes — together with treatment of the underlying disease.

Scientific background

Important to note: softlaser is not a miracle cure. You achieve the best results when you use it as a supplement to conventional wound care — not as a replacement.

How to use softlaser for ulcer treatment? – Protocol

Treatment principles

Dose: For ulcer treatment an energy density of 1–4 J/cm² is generally recommended — this is lower than doses used for joint problems.

Technique: For an open wound, do NOT place the device directly on the wound surface. Keep the treatment head a few millimeters away from the wound, or treat the wound edges and surrounding area.

Frequency: One treatment per day is recommended until complete wound closure. For ulcers this means a minimum of 8–12 weeks, and in more severe cases it can take several months.

Scanning technique: If the ulcer covers a larger area, move the device slowly and evenly across the entire area so that every part receives the required energy.

What to pay attention to

• Clean the wound in the usual way before treatment.
• Do not touch the open wound with the device — this is important for hygiene.
• After the first treatments you may experience temporary pain — this is normal and can indicate that healing processes are being activated.
• Do not stop treatment as soon as you notice improvement — continue until the wound is fully closed.

When NOT to expect miracles?

Start with realistic expectations. Softlaser will not heal the ulcer if:

• you don't treat the underlying disease – compression therapy is ESSENTIAL for venous insufficiency, and glucose control is indispensable for diabetes;
• severe arterial insufficiency is present – if blood supply is critically low, this must be corrected first (possibly by vascular surgery);
• the wound is infected – active, purulent infections require antibiotic treatment first;
• you do not follow hygiene rules – without regular dressing changes and wound cleaning the laser won't help.

Softlaser is a valuable adjunct tool — but it does not replace medical care and treatment of the underlying disease.

Remember: ulcer treatment is a team effort

Successful treatment of a leg ulcer does not depend on a single method. Think of it as a puzzle where every piece must be in place:

• Medical supervision – diagnosis and treatment of the underlying disease.
• Compression therapy – the most important pillar for venous ulcers.
• Appropriate wound dressing – maintaining a moist wound-healing environment.
• Exercise – muscle pump activity supports venous return.
• Softlaser therapy – supporting the healing processes (this article).
• Neuromuscular stimulator (EMS/FES) – a parallel home modality that can be combined with softlaser.
• Lymphatic massage device (pneumatic compression) – to support venous return in more severe venous circulation disorders.

Related articles

• Treating leg ulcers with neuromuscular stimulation – a parallel home modality (EMS/FES)
• Home treatment of varicose vein disease – the most common background (CEAP classification)
• Thrombosis pillar – PTS stage – if you have had a previous deep vein thrombosis
• Reddish-brown spot on the shin – what is it? – a precursor to ulceration (hemosiderin, lipodermatosclerosis)
• Erysipelas – bacterial skin infection – an ulcer complication requiring urgent antibiotic treatment
• Leg swelling (edematous leg) causes and treatment – differential diagnostic triage
• Softlaser therapy – comprehensive guide
• Softlaser therapy at home – treating conditions
• Treating the diabetic foot at home