Healthy Flow, Healthier Legs
When Legs Start to Feel Heavy
Varicose veins usually begin quietly, as aching, heaviness, or visible twisted veins at the end of a long day.
Many people live with them for years, assuming the discomfort is a normal part of aging or that fixing them means surgery. Neither is true. Varicose veins develop when the one-way valves inside the leg veins fail, allowing blood to flow backward and pool. The pooled blood stretches the vein wall over time, producing the bulging, rope-like appearance beneath the skin. Family history is the strongest risk factor, along with pregnancy, years of prolonged standing or sitting, prior blood clots, and age.
Beyond appearance, certain signs suggest the underlying condition deserves a professional look:
- Pain, aching, or heaviness that worsens as the day goes on
- Swelling in the ankles or lower legs
- Skin discoloration, thickening, or itching near the ankle
- Restless legs, especially at night
- A wound near the ankle that is slow to heal, or bleeding from a vein
Even without symptoms, an evaluation can clarify whether the visible veins are an isolated concern or the surface of a deeper venous insufficiency.
Relief From Swelling & Pain
Treating Varicose Veins
Treating varicose veins begins with a comprehensive venous evaluation to identify the underlying cause of the problem.
For many patients, this involves mapping the veins using ultrasound to determine where reflux or obstruction is occurring. Minimally invasive procedures such as sclerotherapy, radiofrequency ablation (ClosureFast), VenaSeal™, and Varithena® are used to close or collapse diseased veins safely and effectively. These treatments are typically performed in our office under local anesthesia, allowing patients to return home the same day with minimal downtime.
During the procedures, ultrasound guidance ensures precise treatment while preserving surrounding healthy veins and tissues. Following treatment, compression stockings and follow-up ultrasounds help support healing and ensure optimal results. By addressing the root cause of venous reflux, these therapies relieve symptoms, improve circulation, and restore the appearance of the legs.
Care That Looks Beyond the Vein
Dr. Schmetterer's Philosophy of Care
A varicose vein is rarely the whole story, and treating it well means understanding the circulation behind it.
Dr. Schmetterer evaluates varicose veins the way a vascular surgeon does, drawing on more than 34 years of cardiothoracic and vascular surgical experience. Earlier in his career he performed the open operations that were once the standard for this disease, vein stripping among them, which gives him a rare perspective on how far treatment has come and the judgment to know which modern option fits each patient’s anatomy. The recommendation is never one-size-fits-all; it follows the ultrasound, the symptoms, and the patient’s own goals.
What matters in the end is not how the veins look on a screen but how the legs feel at the close of a long day: light enough for the evening walk through Mill Creek Park, steady enough for a full shift on your feet, comfortable enough to simply enjoy life in the Valley. That is the outcome every treatment plan is built around.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes varicose veins?
Varicose veins are caused by weakened or damaged valves in the veins that allow blood to pool instead of flowing efficiently back to the heart.
Are varicose vein treatments painful?
Most modern varicose vein treatments involve minimal discomfort, often using local anesthesia to keep patients comfortable throughout the procedure.
How quickly can I return to normal activities after treatment?
Many patients can return to normal daily activities within a day or two, depending on the specific treatment and individual recovery.
