Vein Conditions

Vein Conditions | Jacksonville

It is estimated that nearly 25% of the world's population (mostly adults) suffer from some type of vein problems. These vein issues can range from very minor conditions like chronic venous insufficiency to more rare and life threatening conditions like venous thrombosis. Some of the more common types of vein conditions are:

  • Varicose Veins
  • Spider Veins
  • Blue Veins
  • Pelvic and Labial Varicose Veins
  • Chronic Venous Insufficiency
  • Leg Ulcers
  • Restless Leg Syndrome

When it comes to vein problems, Jacksonville residents should be aware that people who live in warmer climates with higher amounts of exposure to the sun, like we have here in Florida, have a higher risk of developing vein issues because of the strength of the sun's ultraviolet rays on the skin. St. Johns Vein Center Jacksonville was created to address the needs of Floridians who are suffering from various types of venous insufficiency conditions.

Below are some common vein conditions, each of which is treatable at St. Johns Vein Center.

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins (also known as bulging veins) are the most well-known type of vein disease. They are called bulging veins because they are unusually large and twisted blood vessels that form a 'bulge' right underneath the skin, where the blood becomes pooled. The bulging veins are most often found on the back of the calf or the inside part of the leg. Varicose veins can be caused by a number of factors, including:

  • Gender
  • Age
  • Weight
  • Family History
  • Occupation
  • Child Bearing
  • Warm Geographic Location

Older adult women living who are overweight, live in a warm climate, and have previously borne children are the most likely candidates for varicose veins.

Blue Veins (Reticular Veins)

Blue veins (also known as reticular, feeder or intradermal veins) are blue or green colored vessels that become stretched out underneath the skin. Ranging in diameter from 1 to 3 millimeters, this vein condition can be quite painful and uncomfortable, as well as unattractive.

Spider Veins

Spider veins (also known as telangiectasias or "broken veins") are similar to the varicose variety, except smaller (they are normally less than one millimeter in size). Like varicose veins, they are most often found on the legs. This is because both varicose and spider veins are caused by excessive stress on the vein's valves, causing them to weaken and blood to build up. Since blood flowing upstream from the legs to the heart is more difficult, weakened valves can prevent proper blood flow and contribute to these conditions.

Pelvic and Labial Varicose Veins

Pelvic, labial or vulvar veins are permanent vein conditions that occur in women, resulting from dilation during a pregnancy. The swollen veins in the pelvic or vaginal areas remain after the pregnancy is over and may cause aches, pains and feelings of heaviness, particularly right before the beginning of the menstrual cycle.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Chronic venous insufficiency is a longer term varicose vein problem that is caused by partial blocking of the vein or blood leaking around the valves. Persons in Jacksonville that are most at risk for venous insufficiency include:

  • Elderly
  • Female Adults
  • Taller People
  • Those with a Family History of Vein Issues
  • People who are Overweight
  • Pregnant Women
  • Those Who Sit or Stand for Extended Periods

Leg Ulcers

Statistics indicate that around 70% of all ulcers occurring in the legs are of the venous variety. The majority of venous leg ulcers are the result of either weakened/malfunctioning, superficial or deep vein connecting valves. When these valves stop functioning properly, the veins they are connecting become strained, and if this continues for an extended length of time it can lead to the surrounding tissues becoming chronically inflamed.

Restless Leg Syndrome

RLS is typified by frequent urges to move one or both legs to alleviate feelings of discomfort. RLS happens most often to adults that are middle aged or older. If the person is under a great deal of stress, this could make the condition worse. Little is known about the causes of RLS, though the form of this vein condition that occurs in younger people is believed to be hereditary. RLS can lead to several other problems, including:

  • Insomnia
  • Daytime Fatigue/Tiredness
  • Anxiety/Depression
  • Confusion/Slower Thought Processing

The sensations caused by RLS are much like a burn, itch, tickle, or electric shock to the body. They can cause quite a bit of discomfort and can occur at very inconvenient times, especially at night while trying to sleep or during the day while sitting for an extended period of time