Venous Ulcerations in Hattiesburg, MS
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Contact UsWhat Are Venous Ulcerations?
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, 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 Symptoms of Venous Ulcerations?
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 is crucial to addressing the underlying circulatory issues, promoting healing, and preventing complications associated with venous ulcerations.
What Are the Causes of 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.
How Are Venous Ulcers Treated?
Vein Institute Hattiesburg 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
What Should I Expect After Treatment for Venous Ulcers?
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.
Vein Institute Hattiesburg Reviews
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.
All the staff are super friendly. My wait time was minimal, and my appointment went very smooth.
Very pleased with the procedures so far.
Very well pleased with Dr. Thompson and all his staff. Would recommend him highly.
The Doctor and associates were very knowledgeable and friendly.
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Leg Vein Restoration
To revitalize your legs and clear up any venous ulcerations you might have, Vein Institute Hattiesburg 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, MS, practice to set up a consultation with board-certified vein specialist Dr. J. Keith Thompson, and get the treatment you need.
Learn More About Vein Institute Hattiesburg
About UsVenous Ulcerations FAQs
What happens if venous ulcerations go unaddressed?
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.
