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Compression stockings - Management
Basis for recommendation
- Compression applied to legs with poor arterial circulation can cause limb ischaemia and tissue necrosis. Although easily palpable pulses indicate that the arterial circulation is good, some evidence indicates that relying on palpation of pulses alone may underestimate the prevalence of significant arterial impairment [SIGN, 1998; RCN, 2006].
- Recommendations regarding ABPI thresholds for use of compression stockings are based on expert opinion [Johnson, 2002; Wounds UK, 2002; RCN, 2006] and information from manufacturers' websites.
- Graduated multi-layer compression bandaging is the preferred treatment for venous ulcers, as good evidence indicates that this is the most effective treatment (see the CKS topic on Leg ulcer - venous). The main role for compression stockings is to prevent recurrence of venous ulcers. If compression stockings are used in people with venous ulceration, care is needed to avoid traumatizing the ulcer when putting on and taking off the stocking.
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