The proper way to treat a leg wound will depend on many factors, including the type of wound and its severity. Minor wounds may only need to be cleaned and covered, while more serious ones will need stitches and sometimes even surgery to allow proper healing. All wounds will likely need to be disinfected with an antiseptic and wrapped to prevent any foreign matter from entering the site.
In most cases it is acceptable to treat a very minor wound at home. This would include minor cuts and scrapes, sprains, and bruises. Cuts or scrapes should be treated with an antiseptic to kill any bacteria that may be in the area, and then covered with a bandage to prevent dirt and other materials from entering. Sprains should be wrapped using a cloth bandage and as little weight as possible should be applied to the injured leg until the pain and swelling have subsided. Bruises generally require no treatment, but if they are slow to heal, a medical professional should be consulted.
A healthcare professional will need to treat a more severe leg wound in order to prevent further injury and allow proper healing. Fractures, or broken bones, are diagnosed using an X-ray machine and will need to be reset using a cast. Only a trained professional can place and remove a cast.
If your leg wound is a serious cut, puncture wound, or insect bite, you may require stitches in order to help the opening to heal properly. A cloth dressing will likely also be applied. Daily cleaning is generally necessary to prevent infection and a doctor or nurse will show you how to clean and redress your wound. An insect bite may require an antivenom for venomous bites along with a bandage if the area has become inflamed or has opened up.
In some cases, a wound can become infected. Signs of infection include redness, burning, heat, and pain at the site, and pus may also be present. When this occurs, the area will need to be cleaned thoroughly and antibiotics may be prescribed. This will help prevent the spread of infection to healthy tissue and to kill invading bacteria to heal the existing infection. These symptoms should be taken seriously, even in a minor injury, because spreading infection can sometimes result in amputation or permanent disablement.