Question: I am a woman who has varicose veins behind my knees. They hurt when I walk. What is the best treatment?

Dr. Hibberd’s answer:

Varicose veins behind the knees are not very common. I would be sure you have no venous obstruction causing them, and if not, would propose microsurgical removal of the varicose veins.

This can be a difficult location for typical treatments that we use for varicose veins in the lower legs. Ask your doctor for a referral to a vascular surgeon after they have completed a screening and duplex ultrasound evaluations. You’ll want to be sure there is no deep clot or baker’s cyst causing your discomfort, since these conditions are managed differently.