Correlation of chronic venous insufficiency with the quality of gait among people aged 65-75 years

Introduction
Common venous leg ulcers (VLUs) are often associated with chronic pain and permanent reduction of activity, which means that it is useful to analyse gait disturbances to determine the effect of venous ulcers on the quality of this ability.

Aim of the study
The aim of the study was to evaluate gait disturbances in patients with VLU aged 65-75 years.

Material and methods
The study was conducted in a group of 45 patients with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) aged 65-75 years. The inclusion criteria were the presence of VLU and clinical stage of chronic venous insufficiency CEAP-C6. The control group was recruited from among geriatric patients. The gait evaluation test was carried out using the Tinetti scale. The analysis of locomotion is in the second part of this questionnaire, in which particular aspects of gait are assessed.

Results
The results showed that the biggest problem of patients with venous ulcers is a broad walk, no symmetry of steps, and abnormal trunk work. The average results from the gait test in the case of the study group were significantly lower than in the control group.

Conclusions
1. VLU results in deterioration of gait quality, in particular its aspects such as: trunk motion, step symmetry, position during gait. 2. Due to the decreased quality of gait in the case of people with VLU, the risk of falling increases. 3. Most people with VLU adopt an abnormal position while walking, moving with widely spaced heels.