Chronic leg ulcers

A slow-healing wound is not a disease itself, but a symptom that may have any number of causes. The most common causes are poor venous or arterial circulation. One patient in four with slow-healing leg ulcers is diabetic. For many people, the ulcers are so painful that they lead to sleeping problems and fear of moving.

One treatment alternative for slow-healing wounds is transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation – TENS. This type of treatment uses a stimulator that sends electrical impulses through electrodes on the skin around the wound. The impulses block the pain impulses to the brain so you don’t feel them.

Try it yourself! Massaging a painful area often feels good, just like blowing on an “owie". Massaging or blowing are common ways of blocking pain impulses, but TENS is much more effective.

The electrical impulses not only relieve pain, but also boost circulation, which stimulates the healing process. The blood circulation can also be enhanced if the patient becomes more mobile because the pain is relieved. Some studies also show that TENS has a bactericidal effect.

TENS can also stimulate muscles to work, which releases the body’s own morphine-like substances, endorphins, to further relieve pain and enhance circulation.

This means that TENS uses the body’s own pain-relief systems. The method is free from side effects.

For the best results, it is important that the TENS treatment is prescribed and tested by a doctor, nurse, physiotherapist or other medically trained professional.

Visit your local clinic, physiotherapist or pain clinic for more information on TENS treatment.

Suggested treatment A

Place two small electrodes on either side of the wound – see figure. Note: It is important that the skin has a normal sensitivity to touch. The electrodes are connected to a stimulator that is set for high-frequency TENS stimulation. Switch on the stimulation and gradually increase the intensity until you feel a pleasant tingling, buzzing sensation. The usual treatment time is 30–60 minutes, twice a day.

Suggested treatment B

TENS stimulation of the acupuncture points on the hands has proven to enhance circulation in places like the legs. Place two small electrodes on the hand – see figure. The electrodes are connected to a stimulator that is set for low-frequency TENS stimulation. The stimulation should cause muscle twitches in the hand without being unpleasant. The usual treatment time is 30 minutes, twice a day.

Note: People with pacemakers must not receive TENS treatment.

Recommended unit for effective treatment of the above condition: Cefar Primo Pro