Varicose Veins

If your legs feel heavy and tired by midday, or you have noticed raised, twisted veins running along your calves or thighs, you may be dealing with varicose veins. This is one of the most common vascular conditions in adults, affecting millions of people across the country, including right here in Michigan.

The good news is that varicose veins are well understood, and modern treatment is safe, quick, and entirely non-surgical. At Miller Vein, our board-certified specialists provide compassionate, in-office care designed to help you feel better as quickly as possible. Whether you are looking to understand what is happening with your legs or ready to explore your options, let’s take a look at everything you need to know.

Our specialists offer minimally invasive varicose vein treatment designed around your comfort and schedule.

What Causes Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins develop when the valves inside the leg veins weaken or stop functioning properly. Several factors can accelerate this process or increase your overall risk.

See why varicose veins form in our full guide.

Genetics

Family history is one of the most reliable predictors of varicose veins. If a parent or close relative had them, your likelihood of developing them is significantly higher. The structural integrity of your vein walls and valves is largely inherited, which is why varicose veins often appear in multiple generations of the same family.

Many patients also benefit from endovenous laser ablation as part of a complete treatment plan.

Age

As we age, the veins and their valves naturally lose some elasticity and strength. The cumulative effects of years of gravity, physical strain, and wear on the vein walls make varicose veins increasingly common from the 40s onward. That said, younger adults are far from immune, particularly those with strong genetic risk factors or other contributing conditions.

Hormones

Varicose veins are more prevalent in women than in men, largely due to the effects of hormones on vein tissue. Estrogen and progesterone can relax vein walls and weaken valves, making them more susceptible to reflux. Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, the menstrual cycle, and menopause, as well as the use of birth control or hormone replacement therapy, are all associated with increased risk.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy significantly increases the likelihood of developing varicose veins. Blood volume rises substantially during pregnancy to support the growing baby, which increases pressure throughout the venous system. The expanding uterus also places direct pressure on the large veins in the pelvis, further impeding blood flow returning from the legs. Many women notice varicose veins appearing or worsening with each subsequent pregnancy.

Prolonged Standing or Sitting

Occupations or habits that involve long stretches of standing or sitting put sustained pressure on the leg veins and make it harder for blood to circulate efficiently. Teachers, nurses, retail workers, and others who spend most of their day on their feet are at elevated risk, as are people with sedentary desk jobs who rarely move throughout the day.

Obesity

Carrying excess body weight places increased pressure on the veins of the pelvis and legs, accelerating the deterioration of vein valves over time. Even modest weight reduction can meaningfully reduce this pressure and slow the progression of the condition.

Prior Leg Injury or Surgery

A history of injury, trauma, or surgery to the leg can damage the veins or their valves directly, increasing the risk of venous reflux and varicose vein development at the site of previous injury.

Patient Stories to
Legs Like New®

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My experience was wonderful. The blonde lady at the front desk was so nice and friendly and so were the ladies who took me to the exam room and the one who did my ultrasound. The Dr was great. She explained everything to me thoroughly and was very compassionate. Will definitely send friends and family to that office.

— Susan R.

My experience was amazing. I got there a little bit early, I was taken right back. Everybody was very nice, explained everything to me as they went. I would recommend Miller Vein to anybody; they are fantastic.

— Stacie N.

Great visit to Miller Vein on 3/11. Very thorough explanation and the most wonderful tech in the world did my scans. She answered all my questions and concerns. Results of scans were provided in minutes. Would definitely return if I had a need and will refer my friends if they have a need.

— Joyce S.

Every one I encountered at this office was very friendly. The ultrasound tech and Dr. Toma were very knowledgeable. It was a great experience. I’m happy and confident to be getting my veins treated here.

— Keri P.

Very friendly staff and very thorough. They explained everything as they went through the different steps during the appointment. I felt very at ease here. I am very happy I chose them.

— Angela H.

Symptoms of Varicose Vein

Varicose veins present differently from person to person. Some people experience significant physical symptoms that interfere with daily life, while others are mainly bothered by how their legs look. In either case, the condition is worth evaluating, particularly because symptoms tend to worsen over time without treatment.

Physical Symptoms

The most commonly reported physical symptoms of varicose veins include:

• Aching, throbbing, or cramping in the legs, particularly after standing or sitting for extended periods
• A persistent feeling of heaviness or fatigue in the legs
• Swelling in the lower legs, ankles, or feet, especially by the end of the day
• Itching or burning around the visible veins
• Restless legs, particularly at night
• Tenderness or sensitivity along the path of the vein

Symptoms are often worse in warm weather and tend to improve with leg elevation or walking, since movement activates the calf muscles that help pump blood upward through the veins.

Skin and Tissue Changes

In more advanced cases, the chronic pressure and poor circulation associated with untreated varicose veins can cause visible changes to the surrounding skin and soft tissue, including:

• Skin discoloration, particularly a brownish or reddish staining around the ankles and lower leg, is caused by iron deposits from red blood cells that have leaked out of the distended veins
• Skin thickening or hardening, a condition known as lipodermatosclerosis
• Eczema-like rashes on the lower leg
• Slow-healing wounds or ulcers, most commonly on the inner ankle

These skin changes are signs that the condition has progressed to a stage requiring medical attention beyond cosmetic treatment. If you are experiencing any of them, a prompt evaluation is important.

When Varicose Veins Become a Medical Concern

Most varicose veins are not an immediate medical emergency, but there are situations that require urgent care:

• Sudden, significant swelling in one leg, particularly if accompanied by pain or warmth, can be a sign of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and should be evaluated immediately.
• Bleeding from a varicose vein, which can occur if the vein is very close to the skin’s surface and is bumped or scratched, should be treated promptly.
• A hard, painful, red lump along a vein may indicate superficial thrombophlebitis, an inflammation and clotting of a surface vein.

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention right away.

Are Varicose Veins Dangerous?

This is one of the most common questions people ask when they first learn they have varicose veins. The honest answer is that it depends on the severity and the individual.

For many people, varicose veins are a chronic but manageable condition that primarily affects quality of life rather than posing an immediate health threat. However, untreated varicose veins can progress over time, and in more advanced cases with severe varicose veins, they can lead to serious complications, including venous ulcers, bleeding, and superficial blood clots.

It is also important to understand that varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) are different conditions. Varicose veins occur in the superficial venous system, while DVT involves the deep veins. That said, people with significant varicose veins and venous insufficiency can have a modestly elevated risk of DVT in some circumstances, which is another reason that getting properly evaluated matters.

The bottom line: varicose veins should not be ignored. Even if your symptoms feel manageable right now, the condition is typically progressive. Earlier treatment tends to produce better outcomes and can prevent more serious complications down the road.

How Are Varicose Veins Diagnosed?

Diagnosing varicose veins starts with a physical examination and a detailed discussion of your symptoms and medical history. However, the most important diagnostic tool is a duplex ultrasound, a non-invasive imaging test that uses sound waves to visualize blood flow through the veins in real time.

A duplex ultrasound allows our specialists to see not just the varicose veins that are visible at the surface, but the deeper venous anatomy beneath them. It reveals whether the vein valves are functioning properly, identifies the source of any reflux, maps the full extent of the problem, and guides the treatment plan.

Can Varicose Veins Be Prevented?

Varicose veins cannot always be prevented, especially when genetics is a significant factor. However, certain lifestyle habits can reduce your risk and slow the progression of the condition if it does develop.

• Stay active: Regular walking and exercise, particularly activities that engage the calf muscles, help support venous circulation and reduce pooling in the lower legs.
• Wear compression stockings: For people who spend long hours standing or sitting, graduated compression stockings offer consistent support to the vein walls and valves. They are particularly valuable during pregnancy, long flights, or physically demanding work shifts.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Reducing the pressure placed on the veins of the pelvis and legs is one of the most effective things you can do to protect long-term vein health.
• Elevate your legs when resting:  Propping your legs above heart level when relaxing or sleeping helps reduce venous pressure and gives the vein valves a break from working against gravity.
• Avoid prolonged standing or sitting without a break: If your job requires extended time on your feet or at a desk, build in regular movement breaks to keep blood circulating.

Schedule a Consultation

Varicose veins are not something you have to just live with. Today’s treatments are safe, effective, and designed around your schedule and your comfort. At Miller Vein, our board-certified specialists are here to help you understand your condition, explore your options, and move forward with confidence.

Schedule your varicose vein consultation at Miller Vein today. We serve a wide range of communities in Michigan, including Auburn Hills, Dearborn, Grand Rapids, Holland, Macomb, Novi, St. Clair Shores, and Troy.

Our Varicose Vein Treatment Options

One of the most important things to know about varicose vein treatment is that it has changed dramatically over the past two decades. The old image of vein stripping, a surgical procedure requiring general anesthesia and weeks of recovery, is largely a thing of the past. Today’s treatments are performed in an office setting and allow most patients to return to normal activities the same day or within a day or two. At Miller Vein, our board-certified physicians offer a range of treatment options tailored to each patient’s specific anatomy and needs.

Thermal Ablation Sclerotherapy Microphlebectomy Compression Therapy/Compression Stockings

Thermal Ablation Sclerotherapy Microphlebectomy Compression Therapy/Compression Stockings

Thermal Ablation (Endovenous Laser or Radiofrequency Ablation)

Thermal ablation is the most common first-line treatment for varicose veins caused by venous reflux in the great saphenous or small saphenous vein. A thin catheter is inserted into the affected vein under ultrasound guidance. The catheter delivers controlled heat energy that causes the vein wall to collapse and seal shut. Over the following weeks, the body naturally reabsorbs the closed vein, and blood reroutes through healthier vessels.

The procedure is performed in the office under local anesthesia, takes about an hour, and involves no surgical incisions. Most patients experience minimal discomfort and can walk immediately after treatment.

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Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy involves injecting a medication directly into the affected vein, causing it to close and fade. It is used for smaller varicose veins and for the spider veins that often accompany them. Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy allows our specialists to treat veins that are not visible at the surface but are contributing to symptoms.

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Microphlebectomy

For larger surface varicose veins that are too big for sclerotherapy but do not require thermal ablation, microphlebectomy is an effective option. Small, puncture-sized openings in the skin allow the physician to remove the affected vein segments directly. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia with no stitches required and leaves minimal scarring.

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Compression Therapy/Compression Stockings

Graduated compression stockings are often recommended as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, particularly before and after procedures. They help support healthy circulation, reduce swelling, and improve symptoms.

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Board-Certified Specialists That Practice with Care

Our dedicated Team

Dr. Rana Burek, DO

Jeffrey H. Miller, MD

Jennifer Malicke, DO

Krista M. Bannon, MD

Madeline Paquette, DNP

Michael E. Lulenski, MD

Robin Doak, CLT

Steven K. Wang, MD