Now accepting Telehealth appointments. Schedule a virtual visit.

Leg Pain Specialist

STL Vein & Cosmetics

Varicose Vein Specialist & Cosmetic & Laser Center located in South County & Creve Coeur, St. Louis, MO

Though leg pain may develop for many reasons, ongoing leg discomfort may be a symptom of underlying vein disease. At STL Vein & Cosmetics, with two offices in St. Louis, Missouri, Eric Mai, MD, and the team specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of vein disease. To schedule a consultation to find the underlying cause of your leg pain, call the office most convenient to you or book an appointment online today.

Leg Pain Q&A

What causes leg pain?

Leg pain may develop from a multitude of medical issues. In most cases, leg pain occurs from an injury or condition that affects the musculoskeletal system, such as tendonitis, arthritis, or fracture.

However, vein disease also causes leg pain. Vein disease is a vascular condition that develops from damage to the walls or valves in your veins.

Your veins push blood back to your heart and lungs for reoxygenation. Valves in your veins open and close to move blood forward and prevent blood from flowing backward.

Damage to the walls or valves in your veins may prevent the valves from closing, allowing blood to flow backward and pool. The pooling blood stretches the vein, causing more damage that affects normal circulation. 

The damage to your veins may lead to spider veins, varicose veins, thrombophlebitis, or deep vein thrombosis. Leg pain from vein disease develops from inflammation related to these vein issues. 

For most people, the big ropey veins (varicose veins) don’t cause much discomfort. It’s the “cosmetic” spider veins that irritate the nerves in the skin and cause pain. 

How do I know if my leg pain is from vein disease?

The team at STL Vein & Cosmetics specializes in diagnosing and treating vein diseases. If you suspect your leg pain may be due to a problem related to your veins, they conduct a comprehensive evaluation to confirm or rule out a diagnosis. 

Your provider asks detailed questions about your symptoms, medical history, and family history during your exam. Then, they perform a physical exam paying close attention to the circulation in your legs. 

To confirm a vein disease diagnosis, your provider may recommend a vascular ultrasound. During the non-invasive test, your provider evaluates circulation through the veins in your legs to look for problems.

How is leg pain treated?

Treatment for your leg pain depends on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause of your leg pain. 

Initially, the STL Vein & Cosmetics team may recommend lifestyle changes to improve circulation in your legs and reduce discomfort, such as regular exercise, the use of compression stockings, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication. 

STL Vein & Cosmetics also offers many innovative non-surgical treatments to get rid of visible veins that cause leg pain, such as:

  • Laser therapy
  • Visual sclerotherapy
  • Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy with Varithena™ 
  • Endovenous laser ablation
  • Radiofrequency venous ablation


The treatment best suited for you depends on the size and location of your problematic veins.  

To schedule a consultation with the vein and vascular experts at STL Vein & Cosmetics, call the office or book an appointment online today.