CNE Article

Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Older Adults with Venous Leg Ulcer Pain

Jeniffer Tobón, MN, ARNP, CWCN

  • Journal of Gerontological Nursing
  • November 2010 - Volume 36 · Issue 11: 46-53
  • DOI: 10.3928/00989134-20100930-07
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Abstract

Chronic pain management is an important, and often underaddressed, component in the care of older adults with venous leg ulcers (VLUs). Clinicians caring for older adults with VLUs must consider and address both the physiological and psychosocial aspects of chronic pain. Traditional pharmacological approaches to pain management are only part of the solution. One strategy is to adopt a more holistic approach to chronic pain management that includes complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies. Unfortunately, there is a paucity of CAM research that focuses on the pain management of older adults with VLUs. Despite these limitations, pain management that includes discussion of relevant CAM modalities must be a priority for clinicians caring for older adults living with VLUs.

AUTHORS

Ms. Tobón is Clinical Nursing Faculty and Lecturer, Shoreline Community College, Shoreline, and University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.

The author discloses that she has no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity, including research support. The author thanks her mentor and editor Sarah H. Kagan, PhD, RN, and co-editor Carrie T. Stricker, PhD, RN, for their invaluable feedback and support throughout the manuscript writing process.

Address correspondence to Jeniffer Tobón, MN, ARNP, CWCN, Clinical Nursing Faculty and Lecturer, Shoreline Community College, Nursing Program, 16101 Greenwood Avenue North, Shoreline, WA 98133; e-mail: .jentobon@gmail.com

doi: 10.3928/00989134-20100930-07

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