The Best Treatment for Varicose Veins: Insights from a Vein Physician

Varicose veins are more than just a cosmetic concern—they can signal an underlying venous condition that impacts your comfort and overall health. To shed light on this common yet often misunderstood vascular condition, we spoke with Brent Greenberg, MD, DABVLM, FAAFP, RPhS, a vein care specialist and lead physician at Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) clinics in Greensboro, North Carolina, and Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

During this informative interview, Dr. Greenberg shared his expertise on the causes, symptoms, and modern treatments for varicose veins and explained why seeking care sooner rather than later can make a big difference.

What Are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins develop when the one-way valves in your veins, which help blood flow back to the heart, become damaged or weak. This allows blood to pool in the vein, increasing pressure and leading to the telltale twisted, bulging appearance.

"Varicose veins are superficial veins you see on your legs. They’re typically twisty, bulging and frequently cause discomfort. Many patients describe symptoms like heaviness, aching, and throbbing, which stems from the pressure building up in these veins." - Brent Greenberg

Common Symptoms of Varicose Veins

Dr. Greenberg emphasizes the importance of recognizing the symptoms of varicose veins early: "We frequently talk about what we call the HASTI symptoms: heaviness, aching, swelling, throbbing, and itching. Many people also report leg cramps, especially at night, or restlessness in their legs when they try to sleep."

Patients often feel relief from symptoms by walking or elevating their legs, as these activities reduce the pressure inside the affected veins. However, relying solely on these temporary solutions can delay necessary medical care.

Not sure if your leg discomfort is caused by vein disease? Take our SELF ASSESSMENT and find out!

Causes of Varicose Veins

According to Dr. Greenberg, the most common cause of varicose veins is genetic predisposition: "It frequently runs in families, whether it's a parent, grandparent, or other relatives." However, genetics isn’t the only factor. Several lifestyle and environmental influences can exacerbate or contribute to the development of varicose veins. These include:

• Prolonged standing or sitting: Certain professions, like nursing, teaching, and machine operating, require individuals to stand for long periods. This constant pressure on the legs can strain the veins, causing the valves to weaken over time. Similarly, jobs that involve prolonged sitting, such as office work or long-distance driving, reduce blood flow, leading to pooling in the lower extremities. Both scenarios increase the likelihood of varicose veins developing.
• Pregnancy, especially after multiple pregnancies: Pregnancy significantly increases the risk of varicose veins due to hormonal changes that relax vein walls and the added pressure from a growing uterus, which can compress veins in the pelvis and legs. After multiple pregnancies, this strain becomes cumulative, making it harder for the veins to recover and increasing the likelihood of varicose veins forming or worsening.
• Leg injuries or surgeries: Trauma or surgery to the legs can damage veins, including the valves that regulate blood flow. This damage can disrupt normal circulation, creating conditions where blood pools in the veins and contributes to the development of varicose veins. Even seemingly minor injuries can have long-term effects if they impact the venous system.
• Weight gain: Excess weight places additional pressure on the veins, particularly in the lower body. This added strain can weaken the vein walls and valves, making it harder for blood to return to the heart. Over time, this leads to blood pooling in the veins, causing them to enlarge and bulge. The risk increases with higher levels of weight gain, making weight management a critical factor in preventing or reducing varicose veins.

If you’re tired of dealing with the discomfort and appearance of varicose veins, now is the time to act. At Center for Vein Restoration, we specialize in diagnosing and treating vein conditions with care and precision. Our skilled physicians, like Dr. Brent Greenberg, are here to provide you with expert guidance and state-of-the-art treatment options—all performed in a convenient office setting with minimal downtime.

Take control of your vein health and experience the CVR difference. Call us today at 240-965-3915 to schedule your consultation, or you can schedule it online HERE.

Modern Treatments for Varicose Veins

Dr. Greenberg compares vein treatment to turning off a spigot to stop water flowing through a garden hose. "Varicose veins are the hose, but the underlying issue—the 'spigot'—is the pressure from malfunctioning veins deeper under the surface."

“Varicose vein treatment has come a long way from the invasive and painful procedures of the past. The most common treatment options today focus on addressing the source of the varicose veins, not just the visible symptoms." - Dr. Brent Greenberg

Vein treatment highlights include:

• Minimally invasive procedures: Treatments like endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy precisely target the problematic veins.
• Office-based care: These procedures typically take under an hour, and patients remain awake and can resume normal activities the same day.
• Effectiveness: Closing off the abnormal veins relieves symptoms and improves the appearance of the legs.

How CVR Determines the Best Treatment

Dr. Greenberg explains why tailoring the right treatment for each patient is crucial:

"We start by talking to the patient about their symptoms and medical history. Then, we perform a physical exam and often an ultrasound to assess the veins beneath the surface. Based on these findings, we develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses the root cause of the varicose veins. This comprehensive approach ensures long-term results and symptom relief.” - Dr. Brent Greenberg

Can Varicose Veins Come Back After Treatment?

While modern treatments are highly effective, vein disease is a chronic condition. "I often tell patients it’s like gray hair," says Dr. Greenberg. "Once we treat a problematic vein, it’s gone for good. But, just like gray hair, new ones can develop over time, especially if you have a genetic predisposition."

Dr. Greenberg recommends annual follow-ups to catch new vein issues early: "Regular check-ins help us address small problems before they become big ones."

Why You Shouldn’t Hesitate to Seek Treatment

If you're hesitant to seek treatment due to fears of invasive procedures or long recovery times, Dr. Greenberg has good news: "The old ways of treating varicose veins, like vein stripping, are a thing of the past. Today’s treatments are minimally invasive, virtually painless, and require no downtime."

Dr. Greenberg assures that patients can often return to work or their regular activities immediately after treatment, adding, "These advancements have transformed the way we care for patients with vein disease, making it easier and more convenient than ever to get relief."

Ready to take the first step? Schedule your consultation with CVR today and discover how minimally invasive vein treatments can improve your quality of life.

Take Control of Your Vein Health

Living with the discomfort of varicose veins is unnecessary when effective treatments are readily available. At Center for Vein Restoration, Dr. Greenberg and his team provide state-of-the-art care and vein treatment options tailored to each patient’s unique needs.

From your first consultation to personalized treatment and ongoing care, CVR is with you every step of the way—Trust America’s leader in vein care to provide the vein care solutions you need.

Call 240-965-3915 today to book your appointment and discover how we can help you achieve legs that look and feel their best.