Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that most often develop in the legs. They may appear blue, purple, or raised beneath the skin, but they are not always just a cosmetic concern. Varicose veins can also cause aching, heaviness, swelling, itching, cramping, or discomfort that becomes more noticeable after prolonged standing or sitting.
At Hill Country Vein Center, patients in New Braunfels, TX, and the San Antonio area receive focused vein care from Dr. Mark Kneuper, a board-certified General Surgeon with decades of experience serving the New Braunfels community. His background in office-based management of vein conditions helps ensure patients receive careful evaluation, clear treatment recommendations, and modern care in a specialized setting.
What Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins develop when blood does not move efficiently through the veins in the legs. Healthy veins contain small one-way valves that help blood travel upward toward the heart. When these valves weaken or fail to close properly, blood can flow backward and collect in the vein.
As pressure builds, the affected vein can stretch, enlarge, and become visible on the skin’s surface. Some people notice only visible veins, while others experience ongoing symptoms that affect daily comfort. Varicose veins may also be related to chronic venous insufficiency, a condition that affects circulation in the lower legs.
What Causes Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are commonly caused by weakened or damaged vein valves. Several factors can increase the risk of developing them, including family history, aging, pregnancy, hormonal changes, and long periods of standing or sitting. Previous vein problems, blood clots, or leg injuries may also contribute.
Symptoms can vary from person to person. Some patients have visible veins without much discomfort, while others experience swelling, throbbing, burning, itching, night cramps, or a heavy feeling in the legs. Because varicose veins may indicate an underlying circulatory problem, it is important to have persistent or worsening symptoms evaluated by a vein specialist.
How Are Varicose Veins Treated?
Varicose vein treatment begins with a detailed evaluation. At Hill Country Vein Center, diagnostic imaging, such as duplex ultrasound, may be used to look beneath the surface and determine whether damaged veins or valve problems are contributing to symptoms. This helps create a treatment plan based on the source of the problem, not just the visible vein.
Depending on your condition, treatment may include:
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Compression therapy and conservative care to help manage symptoms and support circulation
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Endovenous radiofrequency ablation to close diseased veins using controlled heat energy
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VenaSeal™ Closure to seal certain problem veins with a medical adhesive
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Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy or Varithena® to treat selected veins with an injectable foam
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Ambulatory microphlebectomy to remove surface varicose veins through very small openings in the skin
Many varicose vein treatments are performed in the office with minimal downtime. Once a problem vein is closed or removed, blood naturally reroutes through healthier veins.
When to See a Vein Specialist
You should consider seeing a vein specialist if your varicose veins are painful, worsening, or accompanied by swelling, itching, heaviness, fatigue, or skin discoloration. It is also important to seek care if you notice skin thickening, sores near the ankle, bleeding from a vein, or symptoms that interfere with standing, walking, working, or sleeping comfortably.
Early evaluation can help determine whether your symptoms are related to vein disease. Treating varicose veins at the right time may help reduce discomfort and lower the risk of future complications, including inflammation, skin changes, and venous ulcers.
Why Choose Hill Country Vein Center For Varicose Vein Treatment?
Varicose vein treatment should address both the visible veins and the underlying circulation problem causing them. At Hill Country Vein Center, care is led by Dr. Mark Kneuper, a board-certified General Surgeon with a special interest in office-based varicose vein management.
Dr. Kneuper is also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the American College of Phlebology. His surgical background and vein-focused experience help guide careful evaluation, accurate diagnosis, and treatment planning based on each patient’s symptoms and ultrasound findings.
Patients from New Braunfels, San Antonio, and surrounding areas choose Hill Country Vein Center for credentials-forward vein care in a focused, patient-centered setting.
Varicose Vein Treatment in New Braunfels, TX
Varicose veins can affect how your legs look, feel, and function. If you are dealing with visible veins, swelling, heaviness, aching, or other symptoms of vein disease, Hill Country Vein Center in New Braunfels, TX, can help you take the next step toward healthier legs.
Call Hill Country Vein Center at (830) 625-6258 today to schedule a consultation. The practice serves patients in New Braunfels, San Antonio, and surrounding areas with focused evaluation and treatment of varicose veins.
