What are the conservative treatments for PTS?

PTS treatment aims to reduce the symptoms experienced by patients and help them live a better quality of life. For many patients it is not possible to get rid of the symptoms entirely but they can be managed and reduced to a more acceptable level. There are a number of conservative measures that can be taken to reduce PTS. These include raising your affected leg when sitting, doing regular exercise which can improve PTS symptoms, trying to lose weight if you're overweight as increased weight puts more strain on the veins in your legs, avoiding dry skin on your legs by washing and moisturising your legs regularly. Dry skin is more easily damaged, taking painkillers if required and not leaving any leg wounds to heal by themselves, even if they appear small. Small bites or scratches can soon develop into ulcers and it's important to get prompt advice from your GP or practice nurse if you discover any wounds on your legs. Compression stockings are another useful conservative treatment. Compression stockings help with the blood flow in your legs and may improve some of the symptoms of PTS. Your GP surgery can prescribe the stockings. You need to replace them at least every three to six months or they become damaged or lose elasticity. You need to be re-measured for stockings when they need to be replaced or if your weight changes.