What Kind of Doctor Treats Varicose Veins? (Part 3 of 3)
Part 3 of our three-part series provides advice to those experiencing symptoms of vein disease and details why an evaluation by a CVR vein doctor is the right choice. We spoke to Reepa Shah, MD, Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) physician expert and lead doctor at a clinic located in Fair Oaks, VA.
What advice do you give someone searching for a vein specialist?
Dr. Shah recommends that everyone be aware of their leg health and be mindful of signs of vein disease. Classic symptoms include:
- bulging, twisted varicose veins that are visible above the skin
- swelling of the ankles and calves
- achy or throbbing that occurs at the end of the day
- leg cramps or restless leg syndrome that disturbs sleep
- itchy legs, with or without spider vein clusters
- leg pain or heaviness that interferes with normal, daily activity
In addition to speaking to primary care, podiatrist, orthopedist, dermatologist, or other trusted healthcare professional, Dr. Shah recommends that someone experiencing any of the above symptoms seek a consultation at any one of the over 100 Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) locations nationwide.
CVR offers free venous screening at all clinics. She explains that these are 10-minute visits during which the doctor talks to the patient, reviews their symptoms, assesses the patient’s medical history, and performs a quick medical exam. The doctor can then tell the patient if they recommend that they seek a full vein disease evaluation.
The initial vein clinic evaluation
This more comprehensive initial evaluation takes about two hours and includes a detailed 45-minute ultrasound of the legs (called “vein mapping”). During this ultrasound, the blood flow is assessed in real-time to determine if the veins are dilated, if the blood flow is going in the wrong direction (known as “reflux”), or for leakage in the veins. The doctor will determine whether blood flow is the cause of the patient’s symptoms and what needs to be done to reduce symptoms if blood flow is or isn’t the cause.
Blood flow is only part of the vein disease diagnosis, however.
Other causes of leg problems
Based on the findings during the initial evaluation, CVR doctors will discover, like a detective, the cause of their patient’s discomfort. For example, patients who present with leg swelling and heaviness may not have vein disease, per se, rather they may have lymphatic disease. Lymphatic disease is a lymphatic system disorder in which fluid (lymph) does not pass through the lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels properly. The result is an accumulation of lymphatic fluid, causing leg swelling.
According to Dr. Shah, other causes for leg pain could include plantar fasciitis, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or undiagnosed knee issues. CVR physicians will refer patients to the proper specialist in these cases.
What sets Center for Vein Restoration apart from others in the industry?
Dr. Shah identifies the “quality of medicine that we practice” as the thing that she is most proud of about CVR. She feels that the dedication to patients, and the determination to root out the cause of the patient’s discomfort and put the patient on the course to correct it, sets CVR apart.
The fact that CVR is data-driven and is led by the highest-quality doctors supported by the superior continuing education and training that is demanded at the highest levels of CVR as a company, inspires Dr. Shah to assert that CVR practices “the best medicine in the field of venous and lymphatic medicine.”
Schedule an appointment with the leaders in vein health
Call 240-965-3915 or visit centerforvien.com for more information or to schedule a free consultation at one of the 100+ locations nationwide.
