Understanding Varicose Veins

Many people in St. Louis see varicose veins as just a cosmetic issue—but they’re often a visible sign of an underlying circulatory problem called chronic venous insufficiency. This occurs when valves inside the leg veins stop closing properly, allowing blood to pool backward and stretch the vein walls.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms often worsen after standing all day:

• Heavy, achy, or throbbing legs
• Burning, itching, or tingling sensations
• Night-time leg cramps or restless legs
• Swelling around the ankles
• Skin darkening or irritation near the lower leg

These are signs that pressure is building inside your veins, not just surface discoloration.

How Varicose Veins Impact Daily Life

Left untreated, vein disease can slowly reduce your mobility, sleep quality, and work productivity. Many of our St. Louis patients describe avoiding exercise or social activities because of discomfort or embarrassment. Over time, poor circulation can even lead to venous ulcers or chronic inflammation of the skin.

Risk Factors

Varicose veins tend to run in families and are more common with:

• Standing or sitting jobs (teachers, nurses, hair stylists)
• Pregnancy and hormonal shifts
• Obesity or inactivity
• Prior leg trauma or surgeries

Why Treatment Matters

Modern treatments are fast, comfortable, and minimally invasive. At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine), we use:

• Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT) for closing damaged veins internally
• Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy for precision targeting of diseased veins
• Compression Therapy for long-term circulation support

You can learn more about these on our Vein Treatment Options page.

Takeaway

Varicose veins are a circulation problem—treating them not only restores confidence in your legs but improves long-term vascular health.
If you live in St. Louis, Chesterfield, Ballwin, or Kirkwood, schedule a consultation at Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine) to learn which vein treatment fits your needs.

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