It is important to know when to be concerned about varicose veins to prevent potential health risks. You should seek medical attention if you experience persistent pain, swelling, or a feeling of heaviness in your legs that interferes with your daily activities.
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8 Complications of Untreated Varicose Veins You Need to Know
Reviewed by: Dr. Ryan Jones
Key Takeaways
- Untreated varicose veins can worsen over time, leading to persistent symptoms such as leg pain, heaviness, and discomfort that can interfere with daily activities.
- Complications like persistent swelling, venous leg ulcers, and leg skin discoloration may indicate increasing damage to your vascular system.
- Severe risks, including Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, and vein ruptures, highlight the importance of early intervention.
- Preventive measures, such as regular exercise, weight management, and the use of compression stockings, can help slow the progression of varicose veins and improve circulation.
- Seeking timely medical treatment from a vein specialist doctor can alleviate symptoms, enhance vein health, and prevent long-term complications.
Do varicose veins get worse if untreated?
If you’ve been noticing or developing varicose veins on your legs, it’s important to understand the potential consequences and very serious health risks of leaving them untreated. Varicose veins can indeed worsen over time if not properly addressed and may lead to very serious health risks and complications.
Not treating varicose veins may lead to more serious complications as the disease progresses.
What happens if varicose veins are left untreated?
Varicose veins are more than just a cosmetic issue; they indicate a problem with blood flow. If left untreated, varicose veins can lead to various complications and persistent discomfort, which can negatively affect your overall health and interfere with your daily activities. Here are eight potential complications that may result from ignoring varicose veins:
1. Prolonged symptoms
If varicose veins are left untreated, you may experience prolonged and worsening symptoms that can significantly affect your daily well-being. Common symptoms include leg pain, discomfort, fatigue, and a persistent feeling of heaviness in your legs. You might also experience frequent leg cramping, which can disrupt your sleep and limit your physical activity.
Additionally, burning sensations in your legs and feet may become more common, making it difficult to focus on daily tasks or enjoy leisure activities.
2. Persistent leg swelling from the knees down
Varicose veins can lead to poor circulation in your lower extremities, causing fluid to build up in your tissues. This often results in noticeable swelling in the legs, especially from the knees down. Persistent swelling can be uncomfortable and may hinder daily activities. Over time, this condition can cause your skin to stretch, increasing your risk of developing infections or further complications.
3. Blood clots (Deep Vein Thrombosis)
One of the serious complications of untreated varicose veins is the formation of blood clots in the deep veins, a condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT can lead to significant pain, swelling, and redness in the affected area. Additionally, it poses a life-threatening risk if the clot dislodges and travels to the lungs, potentially resulting in a pulmonary embolism.
4. Burst and bleeding
As varicose veins develop over time, their walls can become fragile and prone to bursting. Even minor trauma to the skin can cause these veins to rupture, leading to significant bleeding. In some cases, this bleeding may occur internally, creating visible bruising and pain. If not treated promptly, these incidents can result in further complications, including infections or chronic wounds.
5. Venous leg ulcers or open wounds
Untreated varicose veins can result in venous leg ulcers. These chronic wounds are often painful, slow to heal, and may necessitate specialized care to promote healing and prevent complications.
6. Skin discoloration in legs and feet
The poor blood flow associated with varicose veins can lead to discoloration in the skin, particularly around the lower legs and feet. You may notice areas of dark brown or reddish pigmentation, often accompanied by a shiny, thin appearance of the skin. These changes not only affect your skin’s aesthetic but also indicate ongoing damage to the underlying tissues.
7. Pulmonary Embolism
If a blood clot formed due to untreated varicose veins travels to your lungs, it can result in a pulmonary embolism, a potentially life-threatening condition. Symptoms of pulmonary embolism include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, and a rapid heart rate. This medical emergency underscores the importance of addressing varicose veins before they escalate.
8. Superficial Thrombophlebitis
Superficial thrombophlebitis is a condition characterized by inflammation and clot formation in veins that are close to the skin’s surface. This condition often leads to redness, tenderness, and swelling along the affected vein.
Although it is less dangerous than deep vein thrombosis (DVT), superficial thrombophlebitis can still cause considerable discomfort and may indicate underlying issues with venous health.
How do you stop varicose veins from spreading?
Preventing the spread of varicose veins requires managing underlying causes and promoting healthy circulation. Here are some effective tips and techniques to help slow their progression:
- Regular exercise plays a vital role in preventing varicose veins from spreading by improving blood flow, strengthening leg muscles, and reducing venous insufficiency.
- Weight loss can help slow the spread by reducing pressure on the veins, improving circulation, and alleviating strain on the lower extremities.
- Implementing lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy diet, avoiding prolonged sitting or standing, and elevating the legs periodically, can effectively prevent varicose veins from spreading by promoting optimal vein health and circulation.
- Wearing compression stockings helps prevent varicose veins from spreading, as they provide gentle pressure to support proper blood flow, reduce swelling, and alleviate uncomfortable symptoms.
- Seeking medical treatment, such as radiofrequency ablation or sclerotherapy, can help slow the spread by addressing underlying issues, improving circulation, and reducing the risk of complications.
When should you have vein surgery for varicose veins?
The decision to undergo surgery for varicose veins depends on various factors and should be made in consultation with a healthcare professional or a vein specialist doctor.
Generally, surgery may be considered when treating varicose veins that are causing painful symptoms, discomfort, or complications, or when conservative measures have proven ineffective in managing the symptoms.
Frequently asked question
Review our frequently asked questions to learn more about varicose veins in the legs.
Yes, severe varicose veins can be treated effectively. There are several treatment options available, depending on the severity of the condition. These options include minimally invasive treatments such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and sclerotherapy, as well as surgical procedures.
It is essential to consult with an experienced vein specialist to determine the most suitable treatment option for your needs and to restore your vein health.
Yes, you can live a long life with varicose veins. However, it is important to manage and treat varicose veins to prevent complications and improve quality of life.
Seeking appropriate medical treatments, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and following recommended self-care measures can help alleviate symptoms and minimize the most serious health risks and problems.
Common signs of a blood clot, also known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), include pain, swelling, warmth, redness, and tenderness in the affected area of the vein. Other warning signs may include sudden heaviness in the leg, skin discoloration, or visible knots in the veins.
Stage 5 varicose veins refer to a severe and advanced stage of venous disease requiring appropriate evaluation and treatment options. At this stage, the veins are significantly enlarged, twisted, and bulging, causing chronic pain, swelling, skin changes, and potential health complications such as ulcers.
While home treatments can help alleviate the symptoms of varicose veins, they cannot resolve the underlying condition. Strategies like wearing compression stockings, elevating your legs, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can reduce discomfort and slow progression.
However, to effectively treat varicose veins, professional care from a specialized vein clinic is necessary. A skilled vein doctor can use advanced techniques to address the root cause and prevent complications, ensuring the best possible outcomes for your vein health.
Bottom line:
Leaving varicose veins untreated can result in a range of complications that affect not only your comfort but also your overall health. Recognizing the potential risks and seeking timely treatment is essential to alleviate symptoms, improve vein health, and prevent serious medical issues. Prioritize your vascular well-being today to enhance your quality of life; don’t wait for symptoms to worsen.
- National Library of Medicine. 2018. Association of Varicose Veins With Incident Venous Thromboembolism and Peripheral Artery Disease
- National Library of Medicine. 2023. Superficial Thrombophlebitis
- National Library of Medicine. 2021. Fatal hemorrhage from peripheral varicose vein rupture
- PubMed Central. 2017. Deep vein thrombosis: pathogenesis, diagnosis, and medical management.
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