Varicose veins: which doctor should I see?
Varicose veins show as bulging, twisted veins on the legs. They often come with heaviness, swelling and tired legs, especially in the evening. Here you will learn what may be behind them, when it is urgent and which specialist to see.
Book a specialistWhen it is urgent
- One leg suddenly swells and becomes painful, warm or red.
- You have sudden shortness of breath or chest pain, or you cough up blood.
- A varicose vein bleeds and the bleeding does not stop.
With these signs, seek emergency help — call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Call 112What it may mean
- Weak valves in the veins — blood pools and the veins widen.
- Family history — varicose veins often run in families.
- Long standing or sitting — at work on your feet or on long journeys.
- Pregnancy and excess weight — they put extra load on the leg veins.
Which specialist
How to prepare for the visit
Note how long you have had the complaints, when they get worse and whether anyone in the family has varicose veins. Bring earlier test results, and a list of the medicines you take. Dress so your legs can be examined easily.
Frequently asked questions
Are varicose veins dangerous?
They are often mainly a cosmetic problem, but sometimes they lead to inflammation, ulcers or clots. The doctor will judge after the examination. Book a visit without delay if a varicose vein bleeds — even if the bleeding has stopped — if a vein becomes hard and painful, or if there is a wound on the lower leg that does not heal.
Do compression stockings help?
They sometimes ease the heaviness and swelling. Whether you need them, and which ones, is the doctor's decision.
Vascular surgeon or angiologist?
Both examine the veins. An angiologist monitors and treats without surgery, and a vascular surgeon also judges whether a procedure or an operation is needed.
This information does not replace a visit to a doctor.