Treatment of superficial vein reflux (see Varicose Veins, above) has been shown to decrease the recurrence rate of venous ulcers. Where there is substantial obstruction of the femoral or popliteal deep venous system, superficial varicosities supply the venous return and should not be removed.
Failure of venous insufficiency ulcerations to heal is most often due to inconsistent use of first-line treatment methods. Ongoing control of edema is essential to prevent recurrent ulceration; the use of compression stockings following ulcer healing is critical, with recurrence rates 2–20 times higher if compression stockings are not used
