If you are suffering from varicose veins, you might be wondering what kind of doctor you should see for treatment. While your primary care physician can provide basic advice, they may refer you to a specialist to receive specialized care. In the case of varicose veins, you would need to see a vein specialist, also known as a phlebologist.

At Maryland Vein Clinic, we specialize in providing minimally invasive treatments for varicose veins and spider veins. Our team is led by board-certified vein doctors who have extensive training and experience in diagnosing and treating a wide range of vein issues. In this article, we explore everything you need to know about varicose vein specialists.

What is a Varicose Vein Specialist?

A varicose vein specialist, also known as a phlebologist, is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of vein disorders. These specialists are trained to treat both spider veins and varicose veins, which are caused by damaged or weakened valves in the veins.

Phlebologists are specially trained in the field of phlebology, which is the study of veins and the diseases that affect them. They have a deep understanding of the anatomy and function of the blood vessels and are equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to diagnose and treat vein-related conditions.

What Kind of Training Do Varicose Vein Specialists Have?

Varicose vein specialists typically have extensive training and experience in the field of phlebology. To become a phlebologist, one must complete a residency program in a relevant field, such as dermatology, internal medicine, vascular surgery, or interventional radiology. After completing their residency, they can undergo additional training in phlebology, which can take the form of a fellowship or a certification program.

To be certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), a physician must complete an accredited residency program and pass a certification exam. This certification ensures that the physician has met rigorous standards in their field and is equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide high-quality care to their patients.

Some vein doctors also undergo advanced certification from the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine (ABVLM), an organization that recognizes and certifies the country’s leading vein experts. To get board-certified, vein doctors must complete advanced phlebology training and stay abreast of the latest developments in vein care. As such, you should ideally look for board-certified vein doctors in Maryland.

What Do Varicose Vein Specialists Treat?

Varicose vein specialists are trained to treat a wide range of vein-related conditions, including spider veins, varicose veins, and other vascular disorders. They use a variety of minimally invasive techniques to treat these conditions, including sclerotherapy, endovenous laser ablation, radiofrequency ablation, VenaSeal, ClariVein, and ambulatory phlebectomy.

At Maryland Vein Clinic, we always diagnose the root cause of spider veins and varicose veins via duplex ultrasound before curating a personalized treatment plan. This allows us to provide targeted and effective treatment that addresses the underlying cause of your vein issues.

How to Prevent Varicose Veins and Spider Veins

While varicose veins and spider veins can be treated with minimally invasive techniques, it is always better to prevent them from developing in the first place. Here are some tips on how to take care of your veins and minimize the risk of varicose veins and spider veins:

• Exercise regularly: Regular exercise helps improve blood flow and strengthens the muscles that support your veins.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight puts pressure on your veins and can cause them to weaken over time.
• Elevate your legs: Elevating your legs above your heart level for 15-20 minutes several times a day can help improve blood flow and reduce swelling.
• Wear compression stockings: Compression stockings are specially designed to improve blood flow and support your veins. They can be particularly helpful if you spend long periods of time standing or sitting.
• Avoid tight clothing: Tight clothing, especially around your waist, groin, and legs, can restrict blood flow and put pressure on your veins.
• Eat a healthy diet: A diet rich in fiber and low in salt can help improve circulation and reduce inflammation.
• Avoid sitting or standing for long periods: If you have to sit or stand for long periods of time, make sure to take frequent breaks and move around to improve blood flow.
• Avoid crossing your legs: Crossing your legs can restrict blood flow and put pressure on your veins.

When to See a Varicose Vein Specialist

If you are experiencing any symptoms of vein-related conditions, such as leg pain, swelling, or visible veins, you should consider seeing a varicose vein specialist. At Maryland Vein Clinic, we offer a range of non-invasive vein treatments that can help alleviate your symptoms and improve your quality of life. If you are unsure whether you need to see a vein specialist, we offer free insurance verification even before the first appointment, so you can get a better idea of what your insurance covers and what your treatment options are.

Our team of board-certified vein doctors is committed to providing compassionate and effective care to each of our patients, and we work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique needs and goals. Our vein clinic is located just outside of Washington, DC in Silver Spring, Maryland, at 10215 Fernwood Rd, Suite 301, Bethesda, Maryland. Our convenient location makes it easy for patients in the DC metropolitan area to access our high-quality vein treatments.

At Maryland Vein Clinic, we believe that education is an essential part of effective treatment. That’s why we also take the time to educate our patients about their vein conditions and the treatment options available to them. We want our patients to feel empowered and informed throughout the treatment process, so they can make confident decisions about their health. To schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified vein doctors, simply call our office or visit our website to request an appointment online.