Dr. Todd Jones, board-certified general surgeon and NYU fellowship-trained vein specialist with Inovia Vein Specialty Centers in Happy Valley, Oregon, recently presented at the Oregon Podiatric Medical Association (OPMA) Fall Conference at the scenic Skamania Lodge in Stevenson, Washington. The conference gathered podiatrists and medical professionals from across the Pacific Northwest to share insights, discuss emerging research, and strengthen collaboration across specialties.
Collaboration and Education at the OPMA Fall Conference
A special thank-you goes out to Lisa Nakadate, Executive Director of OPMA, as well as Julie Vissers and Jennifer Gaffney of Well Assembled Meetings, for organizing such a valuable and engaging event. The conference featured outstanding speakers – both in-person and virtual – covering a wide range of clinically relevant topics that inspired thoughtful discussion and new ideas among attendees.
Dr. Jones’ Presentation: Differential Diagnosis and Management of Lower Extremity Edema
Returning for the second time this year, Dr. Jones presented on “Differential Diagnosis and Management of Lower Extremity Edema.” His session focused on identifying the various causes of leg swelling and developing effective management strategies, with a particular emphasis on chronic venous insufficiency, a common yet often overlooked condition that if left untreated can lead to venous leg ulcers.
Dr. Jones also highlighted lymphedema and lipedema, two conditions that are sometimes misclassified under the same category, which can result in misdiagnosis. By clarifying the distinctions between these disorders, he aimed to help providers diagnose more quickly and accurately and ensure patients are referred to the appropriate specialists for optimal care.
In addition, Inovia Vein hosted an educational booth, fostering connections with podiatrists and industry partners. These collaborations are invaluable, as podiatrists are often among the first to detect signs of venous disease, particularly venous leg ulcers, which represent a significant proportion of non-healing wounds below the knee.
Understanding Venous Leg Ulcers
A venous leg ulcer, also known as a venous stasis ulcer, is a chronic wound that forms when damaged vein valves cause blood to pool in the lower legs. This persistent pressure leads to swelling, skin damage, and eventually ulceration – most often around the ankle.
Common symptoms of venous leg ulcers include:
- Swollen ankles or legs
- Skin discoloration around the wound
- Hardened or thickened skin
- A feeling of heaviness or aching in the legs
- Varicose eczema or varicose veins
Without proper diagnosis and treatment, venous ulcers may fail to heal or may repeatedly return. Treating the underlying venous insufficiency is critical for long-term healing and prevention.
Venous Leg Ulcer Treatment in Portland, OR
At Inovia Vein Specialty Centers, we specialize in Venous Leg Ulcer Treatment in Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA, as well as surrounding communities. Our fellowship-trained vein specialists use advanced, in-office diagnostics and minimally invasive treatments to identify and address the root cause of venous ulcers – not just the wound itself.
We work closely with the expert wound care centers throughout the region and are grateful for their support and partnership in caring for this patient population. Together, we’re helping to reduce wait times, ensure patients are seen and treated as quickly as possible, and get them on the road to healing and feeling better faster.
Commitment to Collaborative Care and Better Outcomes
We’re grateful to the Oregon Podiatric Medical Association for providing ongoing opportunities for education and professional collaboration. By working closely with podiatrists and other specialists, we can ensure that patients with venous leg ulcers and chronic venous insufficiency receive timely, effective, and compassionate care.
To learn more about Venous Leg Ulcer Treatment in Portland, OR, Vancouver, WA, and surrounding areas, or to schedule an evaluation, visit www.inoviavein.com or call 1-800-VEIN-DOC.