ABSTRACT
Compression therapy is the standard first-line treatment for chronic venous insufficiency and venous ulceration, and remains so despite progress in both ablative and reconstructive venous surgery. The goal of compression therapy is to facilitate rapid ulcer healing, maintain functional mobility of the patient, and prevent recurrence. Compression therapy is effective at promoting reasonably rapid ulcer healing. Compression therapy should create internal pressures that are evenly distributed within the leg that maximize the effect of calf muscle contraction and thus optimize venous blood return to the heart. Prior to the initiation of compression therapy for venous ulceration, patients must be educated about their chronic disease and the need to comply with their treatment plan in order to heal ulcers and prevent recurrence. Compression therapy is most commonly delivered with gradient elastic compression stockings. Stockings are less bulky than other forms of compression therapy and therefore perhaps more comfortable.
