Leg pain can often be traced back to underlying vascular issues that interfere with healthy blood flow. At Shaheen Vascular in Mountain View and San Jose, CA, we focus on diagnosing and treating these concerns. Conditions like varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency can contribute to persistent discomfort in the lower legs.
We use a range of treatment methods to address the source of your symptoms. Whether your leg pain is linked to visible veins or deeper circulatory issues, we take the time to assess what’s contributing to your discomfort and focus on helping you feel as comfortable as possible through effective, targeted treatments.
Common Causes of Leg Pain
Leg pain can come from muscles, joints, nerves, or blood vessels. Overuse injuries, arthritis, and nerve compression are frequent culprits unrelated to circulation. Vascular causes include varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis, and peripheral artery disease, which restrict or disturb normal blood flow. Inflammation or blockages in the veins can lead to aching, heaviness, or throbbing sensations. A thorough evaluation helps determine whether the source is vascular or musculoskeletal.
When Is Leg Pain a Vascular Problem?
Pain that worsens with prolonged standing or improves with leg elevation may suggest a vein-related issue. Swelling, skin changes, or visible veins are other signs that point toward circulation problems. Arterial problems can cause pain when walking that improves with rest, known as claudication. These patterns are different from muscular or joint pain, which typically doesn’t follow this progression. Vascular testing can identify reduced flow or pooling in the veins and arteries.
How Vascular Issues Can Affect Your Daily Life
Poor circulation in the legs can make walking or standing uncomfortable, even during short periods. Swelling and pressure can interfere with footwear and limit mobility. Some patients notice their legs feel tired or restless at night, which often disrupts sleep. Skin can become dry, discolored, or irritated in areas where blood flow is compromised. Left untreated, these symptoms can gradually restrict physical activity and delay healing from minor injuries.
What Conditions Can We Treat?
Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that form when valves in the leg veins stop working properly. This valve dysfunction causes blood to pool in the veins, which weakens and enlarges the veins. This is what causes the visible bulging beneath the skin that is characteristic of this condition. Symptoms may include aching, throbbing, swelling, or a heavy sensation in the legs. Not all varicose veins cause pain. Some are asymptomatic and only cause aesthetic concerns, but even painless varicose veins can point to underlying circulation problems. They tend to become more noticeable after long periods of standing or during warmer weather.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)
Chronic venous insufficiency occurs when the valves in the veins weaken and allow blood to move backward and collect in the lower legs. This ongoing pressure interferes with proper circulation and can lead to swelling, skin discoloration, itching, and persistent aching. The skin may become thickened or develop ulcers, particularly around the ankles. CVI tends to worsen gradually, especially without treatment or lifestyle changes that support vein health.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition in which a blood clot forms in one of the deep veins, usually in the leg. This can become serious if the clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs, creating a life-threatening blockage known as a pulmonary embolism. Symptoms may include swelling, warmth, redness, and pain, often on just one side. DVT should be evaluated and treated as soon as possible to avoid complications. Prompt diagnosis can reduce the risk of long-term damage to the vein.
Lymphedema
Lymphedema occurs when lymph fluid builds up in the tissues, often leading to swelling in the legs. It can result from damage to or removal of lymph nodes, sometimes after surgery, radiation, or infection. Symptoms may include heaviness, tightness, reduced mobility, and thickened skin.
Spider Veins
Spider veins are small, dilated blood vessels that appear close to the skin’s surface, often in red, blue, or purple patterns. These veins are usually harmless and not associated with pain and discomfort, though some patients report mild burning or itching. They develop when small vein branches widen due to increased pressure or sun exposure, hormonal changes, or genetics. While they don’t typically indicate a serious problem, they can sometimes occur alongside more advanced vein disease.
Our Diagnostic Process
We start with a detailed discussion of your symptoms, medical history, and any changes you’ve noticed in your legs. From there, we perform a physical exam and may use non-invasive imaging to evaluate blood flow and check for valve dysfunction, clots, or blockages. This helps us identify whether your leg pain is linked to vascular concerns and which areas are affected.
Our Treatments
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution directly into affected veins, causing the vein walls to collapse and seal shut. The treated vein is absorbed by the body, and blood is rerouted through healthier vessels. This method is often used for smaller veins near the surface of the skin, especially when symptoms are mild or cosmetic concerns are the focus.
What Can We Treat With Sclerotherapy?
We often use sclerotherapy to treat spider veins and smaller varicose veins that don’t require more advanced intervention. It can help reduce visible discoloration and minimize symptoms such as mild aching, itching, or burning around the treated veins. This option is generally used when deeper circulation remains functional and symptoms are limited to superficial veins.
What to Expect During Sclerotherapy
You’ll lie comfortably as we clean the skin and inject the solution directly into the targeted vein using a small needle. You may feel a mild burning or stinging sensation that lasts briefly. The process typically takes less than 30 minutes, depending on the number of veins treated. Compression garments may be recommended afterward to help support the treated veins and encourage proper healing, and multiple sessions may be needed for optimal results.
Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation uses heat generated by radiofrequency energy to close off malfunctioning veins. A thin catheter is inserted into the vein, and controlled heat is applied to the vein walls, causing them to collapse and seal. Blood naturally reroutes to healthier veins, relieving pressure and improving circulation. This method is best suited for treating varicose veins and larger veins affected by chronic venous insufficiency.
We begin by using ultrasound to guide the catheter into the targeted vein. Once the catheter is in place, we deliver controlled heat along the vein’s length to collapse the walls. A local anesthetic is used to keep you comfortable during the process. The treatment typically takes under an hour and requires only a small entry point in the skin.
VeinGogh Treatments
VeinGogh uses microburst technology to deliver a precise, high-frequency current into small, visible veins. This heat causes the vein to collapse and fade without affecting the surrounding skin. It’s a non-invasive treatment that targets fine veins too small for sclerotherapy.
During treatment, we use a fine probe to deliver heat directly into the targeted vein. You may feel a brief pinch or warming sensation as the current is applied. The session typically lasts less than 30 minutes, depending on the number of veins treated. Some redness or sensitivity may occur afterward.
Angioplasty and Stent Placement for Leg Pain
Angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to open narrowed or blocked arteries. During the procedure, a small balloon is inserted and inflated to widen the artery, and a stent, a tiny mesh tube, may be placed to keep the artery open. This helps restore blood flow, which can alleviate symptoms like leg pain, cramping, and fatigue during walking.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Manual lymphatic drainage is a gentle massage technique that encourages the movement of lymph fluid through the body’s lymphatic system. It helps reduce swelling in patients with lymphedema by stimulating areas where lymph flow is sluggish or blocked. This treatment supports fluid balance, relieves discomfort, and can improve mobility in affected limbs. It’s often used alongside compression therapy and other management strategies for long-term relief.
Lymphatic Compression Pump Therapy
Lymphatic compression pump therapy uses inflatable sleeves or garments to apply rhythmic pressure to the limbs, helping move excess lymph fluid out of swollen tissues. This mechanical support can reduce leg swelling, improve circulation, and relieve discomfort in patients with lymphedema. The treatment is done at home or in a clinical setting as part of a broader management plan.
Preparing for Your Treatment
We recommend wearing loose, comfortable clothing that allows access to your legs and avoids pressure on the treatment area. Certain medications, such as blood thinners or anti-inflammatory drugs, may need to be paused before treatment. Please review your full medication list with us in advance. Staying well hydrated and maintaining light activity the day before can support circulation and improve comfort during the procedure. Let us know if you have a history of blood clots, vascular surgery, or ongoing medical conditions that may affect your care plan.
Aftercare and Recovery From Leg Pain Treatments
After your treatment, we may recommend wearing compression stockings to support circulation and aid healing. It’s best to avoid heavy lifting, prolonged standing, or intense exercise for a few days. Short walks throughout the day can help reduce swelling and keep blood moving. Keep the treated area clean and avoid applying lotions or creams unless directed.
You may notice mild bruising, swelling, or tenderness around the treated vein. Some patients experience temporary skin discoloration or a sensation of tightness. These effects usually resolve within a few days to a few weeks. Serious complications are rare but should be reported right away.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Leg Pain Treatments
Are Vein Treatments Covered By Insurance?
Some leg pain treatments are covered by insurance when they are considered medically necessary, including treatments for varicose veins or chronic venous insufficiency causing pain or swelling. Cosmetic treatments are generally not covered. You can review your insurance plan to determine coverage before scheduling treatments.
Can Leg Pain Treatments Prevent DVT?
Vein treatments don’t directly prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) but may help reduce certain risk factors, such as poor circulation and prolonged pooling of blood in the legs. Staying active, wearing compression stockings, and addressing vein dysfunction early can lower your chances of developing clots. If you have a history of DVT or other clotting conditions, we will adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
When Will I Feel Better After Leg Pain Treatments?
Most patients notice symptom relief within a few days to a few weeks, depending on the condition and the treatment used. Heaviness, swelling, or aching often improve as blood flow redirects to healthy veins. Some treatments may take longer to show full results, and multiple sessions may be needed if you have several affected veins.
Will I Have Any Scars After Treatment?
Treatments like sclerotherapy, VeinGogh, and radiofrequency ablation involve minimal entry points and do not usually leave visible scars. Any small marks typically fade over time. We take care to minimize skin disruption and support proper healing. If you’re prone to scarring, we’ll discuss this during your consultation.
Will My Varicose Veins and Spider Veins Come Back?
Treated veins are permanently closed and typically do not return. However, your body may form new veins if the underlying condition continues. Staying active, following compression recommendations, and scheduling follow-up visits can help manage future symptoms.
Restore Comfort and Mobility With Leg Pain Treatments
Minimally invasive methods like sclerotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, and VeinGogh allow us to address Varicose Veins and other vascular issues that contribute to pain, swelling, and discomfort in the legs. We focus on improving circulation and reducing symptoms through careful diagnosis and treatment planning. Serving Mountain View and San Jose, CA, we provide leg pain treatment options that are guided by Dr. Raymond Shaheen’s extensive surgical and endovascular expertise.
To learn more about what we offer at Shaheen Vascular or to schedule an evaluation, call (650) 965-1909 or contact us through our website.
