Vein Care
Tired, aching, heavy legs — or veins you'd rather not see — are more than a cosmetic issue. Varicose veins are a medical condition, and treating them can relieve real discomfort. The vein care team at Saint Joseph Health System, which welcomed the experienced providers of Legacy Vein Clinic, offers dedicated vein treatment for patients across Mishawaka and South Bend. [VERIFY branding line] Schedule a consultation or call (855) 887-5633.
Schedule online
Varicose veins and spider veins: what's the difference?
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins — usually in the legs — that happen when small valves inside the vein weaken and blood pools instead of flowing back to the heart. They can bulge, ache, throb, itch, or make legs feel heavy and tired, especially after standing. Spider veins are smaller red or blue web-like veins near the skin's surface; they're usually painless and mainly cosmetic. Both are common, and both are treatable.
When vein problems need medical attention
See us if leg veins ache, burn, or swell; if skin near a vein darkens, hardens, or develops a sore that won't heal; or if symptoms interfere with work or sleep. Seek prompt care for sudden swelling or pain in one leg — that can signal a blood clot (deep vein thrombosis), which needs urgent evaluation. And call 911 for sudden shortness of breath or chest pain.
How we treat vein problems
Treatment starts with an evaluation, often including a painless ultrasound that shows how blood is flowing in your leg veins. Many people begin with simple steps: compression stockings, leg elevation, exercise, and avoiding long periods of standing. When symptoms persist, minimally invasive office procedures — such as sclerotherapy (an injection that closes small veins) or vein ablation (using heat or medical adhesive to seal a faulty vein) — treat the problem without a hospital stay, and most people return to normal activity quickly. [VERIFY exact treatment menu before listing] Your care team will recommend the option that fits your veins, your symptoms, and your goals. Existing patients can message the team anytime through MyChart.
No — once a vein's valves weaken, the vein doesn't repair itself. Symptoms can be managed, and problem veins can be treated.
Most modern treatments are minimally invasive, done with local numbing, and cause only mild, brief discomfort.
Often yes, when veins cause medical symptoms rather than purely cosmetic concerns. Coverage varies by plan — our team can help you check.
Usually not, but they can cause worsening discomfort and skin changes over time, and occasionally lead to complications — a reason to have persistent symptoms evaluated.