Blue Feet! - Corona Phlebectasia

This is an important physical sign of vein disease. Corona Phlebectasia is a pattern of small blue veins at the ankle and foot. It is thought to be an early sign of advanced vein disease --- it often indicates failed valves in the greater saphenous vein, one of the five vein systems that drain the surface of each leg.

What should be done?

1st A complete venous insufficiency ultrasound should be done while standing (this is, afterall, an issue of gravity! and its effect on valves and veins); (45 minutes). 2nd, a simple laser closure of the failed vein; (the leg will feel better and signs and symptoms of venous valve insufficiency will begin to resolve). (20 minutes) 3rd, several sessions of sclerotherapy to close blue veins at the foot and ankle (20 minutes each) (the ankles and feet will look and feel much younger and the chance of bleeding from broken veins is greatly reduced).

Why close the incompetent vein?

Vein valve failure causes increased pressure in the veins below and this causes progressive symptoms and signs. Unchecked, the venous hypertension that results from failed valves can cause deterioration of the skin, ulceration, edema, bleeding varicosities, painful and tired legs, varicose veins with increased risk of phlebitis and deep vein clots. It is important to stop further injury and to repair the damage this vein hypertension has caused. Early detection is important.

Click on any image below to see a much larger photo

Palm Harbor
(US-19 & Alderman Road)
Serving the cities of:
Dunedin, Palm Harbor,
New Port Richey, Odessa
34918 US-19 N
Palm Harbor, FL 34684

Largo
(at the HCA Largo Medical Center Campus)
Serving the cities of:
Belleair, Seminole,
Clearwater
168 14th St. S.W.
Largo, FL 33770

Largo
(Brian Dairy)
Serving the cities of:
Seminole, Pinellas Park,
Clearwater
7241 Bryan Dairy Road
Largo, FL 33777

St. Petersburg
(Isla del Sol)
Serving the cities of:
St. Pete Beach, Tierra Verde,
Maximo, Gulfport
5901 Sun Boulevard, Suite #113A
St. Petersburg, FL 33715

Sun City Center
(Upper Creek Drive)
Serving the cities of:
Tampa, Wimauma,
Ruskin, Apollo Beach
4040 Upper Creek Drive, Suite #105
Sun City Center, FL 33573

Call (727) 865-6941 in Pinellas County.

Call (813) 634-1333 in Hillsborough County.

Toll free 888-875-6941

Daniel J. Mountcastle, MD, FAAEM, Director
Board Certified
Ohio State University College of Medicine,
Class of 1974
Specialty Practice for Leg Veins,
Member of American College of Phlebology