[Compression therapy in post-thrombotic syndrome]

The most important aim of compression therapy in postthrombotic legs is prevention of dermatosclerosis and ulcus cruris. For the acute stage of leg swelling and for venous ulceration we prefer compression bandages ("therapy phase"). The effect of compression therapy with bandages depend on the material of the used bandages (short or long-stretch bandages), the stretching the bandages are applied with, the number of layers, the local pads and on well done application of the bandages. After removal of oedema compression therapy should be continued with medical compression stockings ("maintenance phase"). Compression stockings should be fit on carefully and be checked from time to time to guarantee their application by the patient.