From: www.mountcastleveincenters.com:

The cause of all problems with veins in the legs is simply failed valves. Genetics (80%), hormones of pregancy, occupations requiring prolonged standing, injuries, clots, and some extreme sports damage vein valves.....one way 'check' valves with delicate leaflets. Failed, 'incompetent', vein valves can not longer support the weight of the column of blood above them. When you are standing, gravity then causes increased pressure in the veins below failed valves. This pressure causes the veins below to dilate (red spider veins, purple reticular veins, and larger varicose veins - unsighly and prone to clots, i.e. phlebitis, on the surface of the legs and a cause of aching, tired legs when inside).

This pressure also causes the delicate cappillaries inside the leg below failed valves to leak fluid, protein, and blood cells and this causes the swollen ankles, night cramps, restless sypmtoms, skin color changes, buning, itching, dermatitis, and ulceration often experienced by patients with leg vein problems.

Treatment doesn't have to involve pain or long recovery periods!  Click here or call one of the numbers listed below to learn more!

Daniel J. Mountcastle, MD, FAAEM, Director

727-865-6941 / 813-634-1333

Tampa Bay Offices:
St. Petersburg (Isla del Sol)
Largo (Brian Dairy)
Sun City Center (Upper Creek Drive)