Prevalence and characteristics of pain in patients with lower‐extremity ulcers—A cross‐sectional study

• Published in: Wound repair and regeneration 2024-03, Vol.32 (2), p.155-163
• Main Authors: Sabah, Lubna, Burian, Ewa Anna, Kirketerp‐Møller, Klaus, Thomsen, Simon Francis, Moltke, Finn Borgbjerg
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: analgesics; lower‐extremity ulcers; pain; questionnaire
• ISSN: 1067-1927; 1524-475X; 1524-475X
• DOI: 10.1111/wrr.13153

The study aimed to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of pain in different ulcer types and to identify factors associated with pain experience in patients with lower‐extremity ulcers. A cross‐sectional single‐centre study was performed, including 130 newly referred outpatients with lower‐extremity ulcers. Pain intensity was measured with a visual analog scale (VAS) and pain characteristics with the short form mcgill pain questionnaire‐2 (SF‐MPQ‐2). The mean pain intensity was 29.5 (SD 31.8) at rest and 35.5 (SD 34.1) during movement (0–100 VAS). 61.5% of the patients experienced pain (VAS > 0) at rest and 70.8% during movement. Moderate to severe pain at rest was seen in 39.2% and in 43.8% of patients during movement. The mean total score on SF‐MPQ‐2 (range 0–220) was 35.9 (SD 32.6). Most of the patients described pain as intermittent (mean 11.8 SD 13.9). Analgesics were prescribed for 78% of the patients. Ulcer type (i.e., arterial, immunological, pressure and venous) and age were associated with pain severity, and women had a significantly lower well‐being score than men. Prevalence of pain in patients with lower‐extremity ulcers was high across different ulcer aetiologies. Pain intensity and quality must be assessed to obtain adequate pain management.