Treatment of venous leg ulcers: 1

JOBST® Opaque compression hosiery in the management of venous disease

Prevention of leg ulceration is a simple process involving assessment, accurate measurement of the leg and application of appropriate compression hosiery along with appropriate care of the skin. Persuasion of at-risk individuals to be aware of and follow prevention options needs to be incorporated in the ongoing health promotion activities of the practitioner (Price and Harding, 1996). This product focus examines the potential contributions of the new JOBST Opaque gradient compression hosiery (with the innovative JOBST soft care yarn) in prevention and management of venous disease and deep vein thrombosis, without sacrificing comfort and style in order to promote patient concordance.

Pain in venous leg ulceration: aetiology and management

Leg ulceration is a common chronic recurring condition which affects a significant percentage of the UK population. There has been much written about the management of leg ulcers; yet despite this, pain in venous aetiology remains poorly understood. This article will discuss some of the factors that contribute to pain in venous aetiology as well as offering clinical management strategies.

An early intervention plan for identification and control of chronic lower extremity edema

Chronic lower extremity edema is one of the most common medical problems; every second person has the problem, and every eighth has advanced problems that require treatment.(1) Treatment interventions for wounded patients and prevention plans to prevent recurrence abound in the literature. However only one reference could be found that identified the need to intervene before wounding occurs, and no plan for intervention was proposed. The purpose of this article is to present a plan for early intervention designed to identify and prevent disease progression for patients who suffer from chronic edema. An advanced practice nurse identified the need, devised the plan, and coordinated the implementation, and now wishes to share the information and tools with other advanced practice nurses. The first of its kind to be proposed, the plan consists of the following components: education sessions for medical professionals, patients, and caregivers that explain the rationale for early intervention, the need to identify and treat patients, and program guidelines and expected outcomes; and guidelines of treatment, health assessment, and patient outcomes. Successful implementation of the plan is measured by the increase in the number of patients sent to the program, and by the number of patients successfully controlling their edema.

Rosidal K: a short-stretch compression bandage system

Management of venous leg ulcers account for a large proportion of the work of healthcare professionals, especially for those who are community based. Multilayer and long-stretch bandage systems have been used successfully for many years in venous leg ulcer management. Rosidal K, a short-stretch bandage, is now also becoming more widely accepted in this country as an effective and cost-effective bandage system. This product focus looks at bandage systems and examines the research supporting the use of short-stretch bandages and Rosidal K.

Leg ulcer after care: the role of compression hosiery

The management of venous leg ulcers is an important issue for many healthcare professionals. However, the care and management does not stop when the ulcer has healed. Prevention of recurrence and lifelong compression is an important issue that is often neglected. This article reviews the anatomy and physiology of the venous system, investigates the causes of venous leg ulcers and describes the principles of graduated compression. Compression hosiery and its role in the treatment of varicose veins is also looked at as well as deep vein thrombosis and preventing recurrence of the venous leg ulcer.

Management of the diabetic patient: causes of leg ulceration

The diabetic patient is at risk of developing numerous complications, including foot ulceration. The ulcer may contain a neuropathic and ischaemic element. Regular preventive checks can assist in early detection of foot problems. Failing eye sight and absence of sensation often result in patients relying on the healthcare professional detecting abnormalities on their behalf. The long-term effects of foot ulceration in the diabetic patient are immobility, septicaemia and amputation. Treatment options exist for the neuropathic and ischaemic foot but they vary in complexity. Accurate assessment and early recognition of the clinical signs of neuropathy and ischaemic ulceration will ensure early detection and optimum treatment interventions for the diabetic patient.

Profore four-layer bandage system

Profore four-layer bandage system (Smith & Nephew) is a multi-layer compression system for the treatment of venous leg ulcers. Venous leg ulcers have long been an enormous drain on the NHS, particularly within the community sector. Compression therapy is now known to be the mainstay of treatment for such ulcers. The Profore four-layer bandage system is simple to use and provides the correct compression to effect faster healing.