Neuropathy and Ankle Range of Motion Are Related to Severity of Venous Insufficiency

In this cross-sectional study designed to advance our understanding of lower-extremity chronic venous insufficiency and its complications, researchers performed detailed ankle and peripheral-nerve examinations in 42 patients (64 legs) with chronic venous insufficiency. Patients with obvious causes of neuropathy or with restricted mobility secondary to pain were excluded.

Venous insufficiency was mild in 36 limbs and severe (i.e., accompanied by healed or active ulcers) in 28 limbs, according to an international classification system (J Vasc Surg 2004; 40:1248). Active ankle range of motion was inversely proportional to severity of venous insufficiency: Mean range of motion for dorsiflexion combined with plantar flexion was 57 degrees (consid…