What Happens if I Don’t Treat My Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins may be distressing from a cosmetic standpoint, but they're not always a danger to your health. If you're having symptoms or living with other chronic health issues, you may need treatment to avoid complications.

At the Vein, Heart, and Vascular Institute, board-certified cardiologist Dr. Hesham Fakhri provides heart and vascular services to residents in the Sun City Center, Tampa, and Wesley Chapel areas of Florida.

Dr. Fakhri evaluates varicose veins and provides various treatments, including sclerotherapy.

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are large, swollen veins visible under the skin. They often appear blue or purple and usually develop on the ankles, feet, and legs.

Varicose veins occur when the vein walls weaken and the valves don't work correctly, allowing blood to back up into the veins. The blood backup causes the veins to swell, twist, and become visible just beneath the skin.

For most people, varicose veins are simply a cosmetic issue, but they can be a sign of a bigger problem, like chronic venous insufficiency. The main symptom of varicose veins is discolored and twisted veins visible in the legs. Other symptoms include leg heaviness, itching, and pain.

You may be at risk for varicose veins if you stand for long periods, are obese, or smoke. Women are at a higher risk for varicose veins because of hormonal changes.

Complications of varicose veins

Most people don't have serious complications from varicose veins. But some people with chronic medical issues will develop issues without treatment. Prevalent complications of varicose veins include:

Venous ulcers

People with diabetes are at risk for venous ulcers, or open sores on the skin. Because of decreased blood flow, these wounds take a long time to heal and may become infected.

Deep vein thrombosis

Varicose veins increase the risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a real threat to your health. Essentially, a DVT is a blood clot that could break off and travel to the heart.

Bleeding

Large varicose veins are at risk for bursting and bleeding, increasing the risk of infection and open sores.

Stasis dermatitis

Stasis dermatitis occurs with varicose veins when there isn’t sufficient blood flow to the legs. The result is scaly, itchy, and red skin that doesn't improve with topical treatments.

How to avoid varicose vein complications

Unfortunately, you can't always prevent varicose veins. Genetics plays a role along with other lifestyle factors. If you have varicose veins, you don't always need treatment unless you have symptoms.

But if you have chronic medical issues like diabetes or high blood pressure, you should seek treatment for bothersome varicose veins. Among the treatments we offer for varicose veins are:

The type of treatment you need depends on the severity and location of your varicose veins, and your overall health and wellness. We discuss each treatment option with you to determine the best one for your needs and goals.

Call us at the Vein, Heart, and Vascular Institute today to schedule an appointment to discuss varicose vein treatments or request a consultation here. We have offices in Tampa, Wesley Chapel, and Sun City Center, Florida.