Non-pharmacological interventions for managing chronic pain in patients affected by venous leg ulcers

Venous leg ulcers (VLUs) are often accompanied by chronic pain, which is frequently managed through pharmacological treatments, including opioids, which can have undesirable effects and complications. Recent evidence advocates for the integration of non-pharmacological therapies to improve pain management and patient outcomes.

This study reviewed the literature for non-pharmacological interventions to manage chronic pain in individuals affected by VLUs.

An integrative literature review enabled inclusion and integration of diverse study methodologies. Studies were critically appraised.

16 studies met the eligibility criteria; eight were appraised as methodologically moderate, two as strong and six as weak. Non-pharmacological interventions included electrical stimulation therapy, compression therapy, social and peer support, virtual reality, light therapy, music therapy, aromatherapy and traditional Chinese medicine.

Effective non-pharmacological therapies for managing chronic pain in VLUs exist and these can improve quality of life and overall wellbeing. Compression bandaging, electrical stimulation and virtual reality are the most effective and feasible for implementation. Research that adopts complex study methodologies would be most appropriate to evaluate the complexity of VLU care and provide a higher quality evidence base on which to expand and better support a holistic approach to VLU pain management.