Venous leg ulcer pain and its characteristics

This study investigated the prevalence, severity and characteristics of pain associated with venous leg ulceration. Sixty-five patients suffering with venous leg ulceration were randomised to one of three treatment groups over a 12-week treatment period. All patients received short-stretch compression bandaging. Data were collected by use of a visual analogue scale and the McGill Pain Questionnaire. Seventy per cent of patients reported pain on entry to the study and within 2 weeks of effective treatment initial pain was dramatically reduced. Patients typically described their pain as throbbing, sharp, itchy, sore and tender. The affective nature of pain was often described as tiring and patients evaluated their pain as being annoying and nagging. This study highlights the importance of pain associated with venous leg ulceration.