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Varicose veins - what to ask your doctor

Definition

Varicose veins are abnormally swollen, twisted, or painful veins that are filled with blood. They most often occur in the lower legs.

Below are some questions you may want to ask your health care provider to help you take care of your varicose veins.

Questions

What are varicose veins?

• What causes them? What makes them worse?

• Do they always cause symptoms?

• What sort of tests do I need if I have varicose veins?

Do I need to treat my varicose veins? If I do not treat them, how quickly will they get worse? Are there serious complications or problems if I do not treat them?

Are there medicines that can treat my varicose veins?

What are compression (or pressure) stockings?

• Where can I buy them?

• Are there different types?

• Which stockings may be covered by insurance?

• Which ones would be best for me?

• Will they get rid of my varicose veins, or will I always need to wear them?

Which procedures for varicose veins do you perform?

• Sclerotherapy?

• Heat ablation or laser ablation?

• Vein stripping?

Questions to ask about different procedures for varicose veins are:

• How does this treatment work? When would it be a good choice for treating my varicose veins?

• Where is this procedure done? Will I have any scars? What are the risks?

• Will my varicose veins come back after this procedure? Will I still get new varicose veins on my legs? How soon?

• Does this procedure work as well as other treatments for varicose veins?

References

Goldman MP, Weiss RA. Phlebology and treatment of leg veins. In: Bolognia JL, Schaffer JV, Cerroni L, eds. Dermatology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 155.

Iafrati MD. Varicose veins: surgical treatment. In: Sidawy AN, Perler BA, eds. Rutherford's Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 154.

Sadek M, Kabnick LS. Varicose veins: endovenous ablation and sclerotherapy. In: Sidawy AN, Perler BA, eds. Rutherford's Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 155.

Review Date: 7/15/2024

Reviewed By: Frank D. Brodkey, MD, FCCM, Associate Professor, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.