Varicose Veins and Spider Veins: Not Just Cosmetic, But a Circulation Problem

When many people think of varicose veins or spider veins, they picture something cosmetic—blue or purple lines running across the legs that they would rather not see. But as a physician who has treated vein disease for years, I want to make one thing clear: varicose veins and spider veins are not just cosmetic. They are signs of a circulation problem.

In St. Louis and the surrounding region, I meet patients every week who have lived with leg swelling, heaviness, aching, and visible veins, often being told that it’s “just cosmetic.” The truth is, those veins reflect deeper issues in how blood flows through the legs. Understanding this difference is the first step toward preventing bigger complications and restoring both your health and confidence.

How Healthy Circulation Works in the Legs

Your leg veins have an important job: they return blood back to the heart against gravity. To make this happen, veins are equipped with one-way valves that open to let blood flow upward and close to keep it from falling back down.

When those valves weaken or fail, blood begins to pool in the veins. Over time, this leads to chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)—a circulation disorder that causes varicose veins, spider veins, and often leg discomfort.

Why Varicose and Spider Veins Are Not Cosmetic

Here’s why vein disease should not be brushed off as a “cosmetic concern”:

They Signal Valve Dysfunction
Varicose veins are a physical sign that valves inside the veins are not functioning properly. Left untreated, this can progress to worsening circulation problems.
They Cause Physical Symptoms
Many patients in our St. Louis vein clinic report heaviness, aching, fatigue, itching, and restless legs. These symptoms often interfere with daily life, sleep, and activity.
They Can Lead to Complications
Chronic venous insufficiency can progress to leg swelling, skin discoloration, thickened skin, and even painful ulcers. Blood clots (superficial thrombophlebitis or deep vein thrombosis) may also develop.
They Affect Quality of Life
Beyond appearance, vein disease impacts mobility, activity levels, and self-confidence. Treating the underlying circulation problem improves both health and lifestyle.

Common Symptoms Beyond Appearance

Patients often come to Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine) believing their veins are only cosmetic, but when I ask a few questions, they realize they’ve been living with circulation symptoms:

Legs that feel heavy or achy, especially at the end of the day
Swelling in the ankles or calves
Burning, throbbing, or itching over bulging veins
Restless legs at night
Skin changes around the lower leg or ankle

If you have one or more of these symptoms, your vein issue is likely more than cosmetic—it’s medical.

Treatment Options for Vein Disease

The good news is that vein disease is very treatable. At our St. Louis vein center, we offer minimally invasive procedures that take less than an hour and require little to no downtime. These treatments close off the unhealthy veins, allowing blood to reroute through healthier vessels.

Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT): A laser fiber is placed into the diseased vein under ultrasound, closing it permanently.
Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy: A medicated foam is injected into the faulty vein, sealing it closed.
Varithena® Treatment: A specialized foam formulation used for larger, bulging varicose veins.
Visual Sclerotherapy: For small spider veins, improving both symptoms and appearance.

These procedures not only improve the look of the legs but also restore proper circulation, preventing disease progression.

Why Early Treatment Matters

One of the most important messages I share with patients is: don’t wait. Vein disease is progressive, meaning it gets worse over time if not addressed. Treating varicose and spider veins early prevents serious complications like ulcers and blood clots, and it dramatically improves comfort and mobility.

Takeaway: Your Veins Tell a Story

If you’ve been told your varicose or spider veins are “only cosmetic,” I encourage you to seek a proper vein evaluation. Your veins tell the story of your circulation, and listening to them can prevent years of discomfort and potential complications.

At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine) here in St. Louis, we specialize in diagnosing and treating vein disease with compassion and expertise. Whether you’re struggling with leg swelling, aching, or simply unsure about the veins you see, we can help you understand what’s happening and guide you to the right treatment.

Ready to Get Your Legs Checked?

Don’t ignore the signs of circulation problems. If you live in the St. Louis or surrounding Missouri and Illinois areas, schedule your vein consultation today. At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine), we combine advanced diagnostics with minimally invasive treatments to restore both your health and confidence.

👉 Learn more about vein treatments we offer
👉 Read our blog on chronic venous insufficiency

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