What Doctor Should I See for Varicose Veins? And Other FAQs

If you have varicose veins, you should definitely get them treated. If varicose veins are left untreated, they continue growing and expanding, eventually leading to burst varicose veins for which you have to be admitted to a hospital. Untreated varicose veins can also lead to an increased risk of the symptoms of vein disease, such as skin discoloration, leg ulcers, and deep vein thrombosis. That’s why you should get your varicose veins treated quickly.

You should see a doctor when you first notice varicose veins. Even though varicose veins seem harmless, they’re usually indicative of advanced chronic venous insufficiency, which means you need to seek treatment as soon as possible. If you notice the signs and symptoms of vein disease earlier, you can even consult the vein doctor before varicose veins. Look for the following signs of vein problems — leg swelling, leg heaviness, restless leg syndrome, frequent leg cramps, spider veins, and varicose veins.

If varicose veins are left untreated, blood will continue accumulating in your leg veins, eventually leading to increased vascular dilation and a high risk of burst veins. Other potential symptoms of untreated vein disease and varicose veins include leg swelling, leg heaviness, restless leg syndrome, leg pain, skin discoloration, leg ulcers, and deep vein thrombosis.

The following are the primary DO’s of varicose veins:

• DO exercise regularly, especially running, cycling, swimming, yoga, and other low-impact cardiovascular exercises that activate your calf muscles.
• DO maintain a healthy and balanced diet with lots of fibers and vitamin C.
• DO elevate your legs while sitting down to push the accumulated blood to your heart.
• DO wear compression stockings to prevent blood accumulation in leg veins.
• DO consult your vein doctor about your varicose vein treatment options.

The following are the primary DONT’s of varicose veins:

• DON’T engage in strenuous workouts and heavy activities.
• DON’T lift extremely heavy objects.
• DON’T sit or stand still in one place for long periods.

It’s okay to massage with varicose veins, but not if your symptoms are advanced. In the early stages of vein disease and varicose veins, massage can improve some of the symptoms by pushing the accumulated blood towards the heart. But if you have severe varicose veins with other major symptoms of vein disease, massage can accidentally burst the weak vein, leading to profuse bleeding and a high risk of blood clots.

Drinking water strengthens the vein valves and improves blood flow towards the heart, minimizing the risk of future varicose veins. But it can’t cure existing varicose veins. The only way to treat existing varicose veins is through minimally invasive procedures, such as radiofrequency ablation, laser ablation, and ambulatory phlebectomy.

Our medical centers for vein treatment in California use cutting-edge technologies to diagnose and treat the root cause of your vein conditions. Our vein doctors examine your leg veins, discuss your symptoms, and administer duplex ultrasound to determine if you have chronic venous insufficiency, following which we offer the latest and safest minimally invasive procedures. Please schedule an appointment to explore your minimally invasive treatments in California.