Laughter is the best medicine for patients with leg ulcers
March 9th, 2011 - 4:27 pm ICT by ANILondon, Mar 9 (ANI): For patients with venous leg ulcers, the best prescription is good quality nursing care - and the occasional belly laugh!
According to a five-year study, led from the University of Leeds, ultrasound therapy does nothing to speed up the healing process of leg ulceration - contrary to what had been expected.
Traditional methods of nursing care, which are cheaper and easier to deliver, work just as well, the authors conclude.
“The ‘healing energy’ of low-dose ultrasound can make a difference to some medical conditions but with venous leg ulcers, this is simply not the case,” said Professor Andrea Nelson from the University of Leeds’ School of Healthcare, who led the study.
“The key to care with this group of patients is to stimulate blood flow back up the legs to the heart. The best way to do that is with compression bandages and support stockings - not ‘magic wands’ - coupled with advice on diet and exercise. Believe it or not, having a really hearty chuckle can help too. This is because laughing gets the diaphragm moving and this plays a vital part in moving blood around the body.”
Venous leg ulcers are common in people with varicose veins or mobility problems whose ‘muscle pumps’ in the feet and calves struggle to drive blood up to the heart. These ulcers can be painful and unsightly, having a significant negative impact on health and quality of life.
Full details of the findings are published online today in advance of publication in the British Medical Journal and Health Technology Assessment. (ANI)
- Laughter is the best medicine - Mar 10, 2011
- 'Smart bandage' to speed up wound healing - Jun 06, 2011
- Blast of sound can speed up wound healing - Nov 23, 2010
- UAE medicos to get training from US health experts - May 18, 2010
- Chandigarh to host global meet on venous diseases - Jan 31, 2011
- Maggot therapy and standard treatment have equal benefits for leg ulcers - Mar 20, 2009
- Erectile dysfunction drug 'could prevent hand, finger ulcers' - Nov 08, 2010
- Exercise may benefit patients with deep vein thrombosis - Nov 23, 2010
- Level of depression determine healing rate of wounds among diabetics - Aug 03, 2010
- 'Self medicating' nanoparticle bandage could detect, treat infection - Jul 10, 2010
- Insulin shots could banish unsightly scars - Nov 02, 2010
- Dangerous, deep blood clots should be treated aggressively: Docs - Mar 22, 2011
- Novel device to wash away bedsores, chronic ulcers - Aug 27, 2009
- Stress, anxiety can make it harder for wounds to heal: Study - Jun 10, 2010
- Man pierced by iron rods, saved by doctors - Mar 12, 2012
Tags: british medical journal, calves, compression bandages, diaphragm, healing energy, healing process, health technology assessment, hearty chuckle, laughter is the best medicine, leeds school, leg ulceration, magic wands, mobility problems, occasional belly laugh, quality nursing care, support stockings, ultrasound therapy, university of leeds, varicose veins, venous leg ulcers