Venous Ulcerations in Hattiesburg and D'Iberville, MS

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Venous ulcerations are open sores on the legs that can occur as a result of venous insufficiency, which is a condition where your veins lose the ability to send blood from your limbs toward your heart. Instead, the blood pools in your legs, and the veins become damaged by the increased pressure being placed on them. Venous insufficiency can lead to the formation of varicose veins and even venous ulcers if the condition remains untreated, so it's important to address it as soon as you notice any symptoms of pain, swelling, or bulging veins in your legs. We also partner with area wound care centers to provide collaborative care to achieve ulcer healing faster and to decrease ulcer recurrence risks. The wound care delivered by our area centers is enhanced when we are able to address the venous disease and improve overall circulation to and around the ulcer bed. Board-certified vein specialist Dr. J. Keith Thompson treats patients in our Hattiesburg and D'Iberville, MS office who have venous ulcers. Wether you are a prospective patient or the director of a wound care service, call us today to see how our team at the Vein Institute can resolve the vein problem for you and improve your wound healing results.

What Are the Benefits of Venous Ulceration Treatment?

Treating venous ulcerations is crucial for improving overall health and preventing complications. Effective management of these ulcers can lead to faster healing and enhance the quality of life for individuals suffering from venous insufficiency. Fortunately, modern treatment for venous ulcerations is more convenient, effective, and comfortable than ever. Potential benefits of venous ulceration treatments include:

  • Accelerated healing
  • Pain reduction
  • Prevents infections
  • Improves mobility
  • Enhances comfort
  • Reduces recurrence
  • Promotes circulation
  • Enhances wound care
  • Nonsurgical/minimally invasive
  • Convenient, in-office treatment
  • Can be performed without anesthesia
  • Minimal, if any, recovery period
  • Long-lasting results

Venous ulcers can be painful, causing discomfort and tenderness in the affected area. Symptoms of venous ulcerations include swelling, redness, and aching. The skin around the ulcer may become discolored, thickened, or hardened. If left untreated, these ulcers can lead to infection. Seeking prompt medical attention at Vein Institute Hattiesburg and D'Iberville is crucial to addressing the underlying circulatory issues, promoting healing, and preventing complications associated with venous ulcerations.

Venous ulcerations are caused by venous insufficiency, which results in damage to the venous system and blood that pools in the lower extremities. Factors that can put you at risk for venous ulcers include a family history of venous disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, deep vein thrombosis, obesity, aging, injury, and smoking. It's crucial to address any potential venous issues with Dr. Thompson early, as ulcers can lead to infections or long-lasting tissue damage. 

Diagnosing venous ulcerations typically involves a thorough evaluation, including a detailed medical history and physical examination. These ulcers, often located on the legs, signal underlying venous disease, where blood doesn't properly flow back to the heart, causing pressure and skin changes. During the assessment, the healthcare provider will examine the affected area for signs of venous disease, such as skin discoloration, swelling, and the presence of the ulcer itself. Noninvasive tests like a duplex ultrasound may be utilized to further understand the condition's severity and the state of the venous system. This imaging technique allows for the visualization of blood flow and vein structure, helping to pinpoint the exact cause of the ulceration. Through this comprehensive diagnostic approach, an effective treatment plan can be devised to address both the symptoms and the root cause of the venous ulcerations.

Vein Institute Hattiesburg and D'Iberville can help provide comprehensive vein care to address venous ulcerations before they result in long-term tissue damage or additional pain. Common treatment methods for venous ulcers include:

  • Compression therapies, including bandages and stockings
  • Wound cleaning
  • Ointments and/or antibiotics to prevent further infection and encourage healing
  • Vein ablation to heat and collapse troublesome veins

After undergoing treatment to address venous ulcerations, you will likely schedule follow-up appointments with Dr. Thompson to monitor healing and ensure the treatment is effective. It's important to know that, as wounds often caused by improper functioning of vein valves in the legs, venous ulcers don't heal overnight. Patience is key. While the wound is healing, you may have to wear compression stockings. These can help promote blood flow and reduce swelling. Once the ulcer has healed, you're likely to have less pain and should be able to move around more freely. But remember venous ulcers have a knack for recurring. Therefore, lifestyle changes are vital. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, avoiding long periods of standing or sitting, and taking good care of your legs should be part of your daily routine.

What a wonderful place. I'm truly happy I went to see Dr Thompson. He closed an ugly feeder vein that has been my shame for several years. I can't wait for shorts and swimsuit weather. And all of his staff are extra sweet and caring.  It was an excellent experience all the way around. I highly recommend the Vein Institute! You won't be disappointed.

S.H. Other

All the staff are super friendly. My wait time was minimal, and my appointment went very smooth.

G.R Other

Very pleased with the procedures so far.

S.A Other

Very well pleased with Dr. Thompson and all his staff. Would recommend him highly.

M.I Other

The Doctor and associates were very knowledgeable and friendly.

F.L Other

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To revitalize your legs and clear up any venous ulcerations you might have, Vein Institute Hattiesburg and D'Iberville can help. By addressing any varicose veins or spider veins you have, your overall blood flow should improve, which will help your venous ulcers heal. Call our Hattiesburg and D'Iberville, MS, practice to set up a consultation with board-certified vein specialist Dr. J. Keith Thompson, and get the treatment you need.

About Us
What happens if venous ulcerations go unaddressed?
If venous ulcerations are not treated, they will not go away on their own. They can cause permanent damage to the skin and infections such as gangrene that could cause loss of limb or life.
What nonsurgical or minimally invasive treatments do you offer to address venous insufficiency and/or varicose veins?

At Vein Institute Hattiesburg, we offer the following vein ablation treatments:

  • Endovenous laser therapy: uses focused laser energy to close off veins
  • Radiofrequency (RF) vein ablation: employs RF energy to heat the vein and collapse it
  • VenaSeal: a minimally invasive treatment that uses a medical adhesive delivered via a catheter to seal a varicose vein
  • Varithena: an injectable sclerosing foam that can collapse damaged veins
How can I prevent venous ulcerations from happening?

The best ways to maintain healthy veins can include:

  • Staying active, including regular exercise
  • Losing weight if overweight or obese
  • Elevating your legs if you stand a lot
  • Wearing compression stockings if at risk for vein issues
Who is at risk for venous ulcers?

Risk factors for venous ulcers include deep vein thrombosis, a family history of venous disease, obesity, older age, paralysis, previous injury, a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, certain surgeries like knee replacement, and varicose and spider veins.

What causes venous ulcers?

Venous ulcers are primarily caused by chronic venous insufficiency, where the valves in veins that help circulate blood throughout the body are damaged or weak. Other factors like diabetes can also increase the risk for these ulcers.

How are venous ulcers diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a physical exam, with health history taken into account. Treatments depend on the ulcer's location and severity, often including antibiotics for infection, compression bandages or stockings, ointments, pain relievers, debridement procedures, and regular wound cleaning.

*Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary from person to person. Images may contain models.