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.