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If you are suffering from leg ulcers and using traditional bandages, its time for a change because compression stockings too take the same time in healing.

Researches from the universities for Manchester and York performed their trails on men who were suffering from leg ulcers reported less ulcer recurrence after using stockings. They also required fewer nurse visits which made stockings better value for money.

In their findings researchers also pointed that not every one of them wanted to wear the stockings and more people changed from this to another treatment compared with those in the group that was wearing bandages.

Venous leg ulcers are commonly occurring wounds that are painful. They keep reoccurring and also reduce the quality of life. Leg ulcers are the result of damage or blockage to the veins of the leg which might result in skin break down and even impaired healing.

“The finding that compression stockings are a cost effective treatment for venous leg ulcers is important for patients, carers and the NHS. Compression bandages are bulky, unattractive and may interfere with normal footwear, they can also be costly as they take time to apply and often require frequent nurse visits to change them,” said Dr Jo Dumville, Senior Lecturer in Applied Health Research at The University of Manchester’s School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work in a press release. He is also the chief investigator of the study.

“The findings support the use of compression stockings for some people with venous leg ulcers. Where appropriate, the day to day application of stockings can be undertaken by patients, carers and a range of health professionals. From a patient perspective this may promote independence as well as enabling the NHS to maximise the use of its resources to best effect,” said Nikki Stubbs, Clinical Lead at Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust.

The research is funded by National Institute for Health Research and is published in The Lancet.