Varicose veins are a common condition impacting millions globally. According to the Society for Vascular Surgery, approximately 35 percent of adults in the U.S. suffer from varicose veins, translating to about 40 million people. Globally, it's estimated that over 30 percent of the population is affected by this vein issue, per the National Library of Medicine (NIH).
If left untreated, these swollen, twisted varicose veins can cause swelling, pain, itching, throbbing, and more serious complications, such as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). And while not everyone with varicose veins will develop CVI, according to Penn Medicine, it is more common in individuals with risk factors that include:
When faced with chronic venous insufficiency or other vein problems, it is crucial to consult a specialist who understands the complexities of vein diseases. But what is a doctor who treats varicose veins called?
This blog will explore the types of doctors who specialize in treating varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency, and related leg vein conditions.
Before delving into the specialists who treat varicose veins, it’s important to understand what varicose veins are and why they occur. Varicose veins are enlarged veins often seen in the legs. They occur when the valves in the veins that help regulate blood flow become weak or damaged, causing blood to pool and veins to swell. This condition is commonly linked to chronic venous insufficiency, a more severe form of vein disease in which the veins fail to return blood to the heart efficiently.
Other related conditions include spider veins, which are smaller, less severe versions of varicose veins that appear closer to the skin's surface. Both conditions can cause symptoms such as leg pain, heaviness, and swelling.
A phlebologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating vein problems, including varicose veins, spider veins, and chronic venous insufficiency. Phlebology is a medical field focused on the venous system and diseases associated with it. Phlebologists are typically trained in internal medicine, dermatology, or surgery before pursuing specialized training in phlebology.
The American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine (ABVLM) administered its first Certification Exam in phlebology in 2008, recognizing both the field of phlebology and providers who have the knowledge, skills, and experience to provide quality care to patients with problem veins.
These specialists employ various diagnostic techniques, such as ultrasound, to assess the severity of vein disease and develop appropriate treatment plans. Treatment for varicose veins may include lifestyle changes, compression therapy, sclerotherapy, laser treatments, or surgical interventions such as ambulatory phlebectomy.
At Center for Vein Restoration (CVR), all of these procedures are performed in a comfortable outpatient office setting by experienced vein doctors with a robust educational background that includes medical school, residency in fields such as internal medicine, dermatology, or general surgery, and advanced training in venous diseases.
By choosing CVR for your vein care, you can be sure your vein doctor has an in-depth understanding of the venous system, including the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of veins. This knowledge enables them to diagnose and treat vein-related conditions accurately.
Call 240-965-3915 to speak to a Patient Services Representative or schedule your consultation online at a CVR near you.
Center for Vein Restoration vascular surgeons are another group of specialists who treat varicose veins and other vein-related conditions. These doctors are experts in the entire vascular system, including arteries, veins, and lymphatic vessels. Vascular surgeons undergo extensive training in general surgery and additional training in vascular surgery.
A vascular surgeon may recommend procedures such as endovenous laser therapy (EVLT), radiofrequency ablation, or ambulatory phlebectomy for patients with severe varicose veins or chronic venous insufficiency. These treatments aim to remove or close off damaged veins, allowing blood to reroute through healthier veins.
Center for Vein Restoration interventional radiologists are medical doctors who specialize in performing minimally invasive procedures using imaging guidance. These specialists are trained in radiology and further specialize in interventional techniques. For varicose veins and other vein problems, interventional radiologists offer treatments such as sclerotherapy, EVLT, and vein embolization.
Using imaging tools like ultrasound, interventional radiologists can precisely target and treat problematic veins with minimal discomfort and recovery time for the patient. Their expertise in imaging and minimally invasive techniques makes them valuable in treating varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency.
Dermatologists, primarily skin specialists, sometimes address superficial vein issues such as spider veins; however, they typically do not manage varicose veins, which is a more complex condition. While they can treat smaller veins, their focus remains more on cosmetic improvements rather than treating the root cause of spider veins and varicose veins—chronic venous insufficiency and vein disease.
Patients interested in cosmetic treatments for spider veins might consult dermatologists due to their knowledge of skin health. However, for more serious vein problems, specialists like phlebologists or vascular surgeons are better equipped to provide comprehensive care.
Primary care physicians (PCPs) play a critical role in the initial assessment and management of vein problems. While they may not perform specialized treatments for spider or varicose veins, they are often the first healthcare providers patients consult when they experience symptoms like leg pain, swelling, or visible veins.
PCPs can provide basic guidance on lifestyle changes, recommend compression therapy, and refer patients to specialists such as phlebologists, vascular surgeons, or interventional radiologists for further evaluation and treatment.
If your PCP recommends that you seek treatment from a vein specialist, be sure that this physician is board-certified and experienced in vein treatment options, as are the vein doctors at Center for Vein Restoration (CVR).
CVR accepts many insurances, including Aetna, Amerigroup, Anthem, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Cigna, MultiPlan, Medicaid, Medicare, and more.
The treatment for varicose veins varies depending on the severity of the condition and the patient's overall health. Some common treatment options include:
Understanding the type of doctor who treats varicose veins is crucial for seeking appropriate vein care. As the nation’s leader in varicose and spider vein care, the board-certified vein doctors at Center for Vein Restoration offer a range of treatment options that alleviate symptoms and improve their quality of life.
If you’re experiencing vein problems, consulting with a CVR vein specialist is the first step toward better vascular health.
Call 240-965-3915 to speak to a Patient Services Representative or schedule your consultation online at a CVR near you today.
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