The impact of musculoskeletal changes on the dynamics of the calf muscle pump

Many articles have been published on assessing and treating chronic venous insufficiency and venous leg ulcers; most recommend correcting the underlying cause. These same articles often fail to examine and address a common factor or cofactor of venous hypertension--musculoskeletal changes. Frequently, these changes accompany major injuries, neurological disease, vascular insufficiency, debilitating diseases, myositis, and bone and joint pain and can adversely affect the dynamics of the calf muscle pump. The calf muscles rapidly waste and weaken with disuse--even a change in gait related to a painful ulcer can exacerbate venous hypertension and cause calf muscle disuse atrophy. This article reviews the cause and effect of musculoskeletal changes on the hemodynamics of the calf muscle pump. Recommendations for changes in practice will be based on the identification of the underlying cause of chronic venous insufficiency related to these musculoskeletal changes.