Are Varicose Veins Dangerous?

Published: 26 March 2018

Whilst varicose veins may be seen as unsightly blemishes under the skin there is a very real risk of serious medical conditions developing if left untreated. Generally speaking, people with varicose veins will experience a variety of discomforts including pain, itchiness, swelling and fatigue in the legs.

Some varicose veins are more severe and will require medical treatment and generally patients present to a medical professional when the veins are bulging and painful. At this stage the likelihood of developing a secondary condition has significantly increased. The types of secondary conditions that are likely to cause significantly more harm to your health.

Excessive Blood Loss

Varicose vein trauma can vary from bruising from minor trauma through to a torn or bursting vein. If the skin is broken at the varicose vein excessive blood loss can occur requiring emergency treatment to stop the bleeding.

Blood Clots

Blood must keep flowing to prevent clotting and once the flow slows the chances of clotting increases. The risk of blood pooling in varicose veins can lead to blood clots forming. If the clot forms deep in the vein (deep vein thrombosis) patients can experience severe pain, swelling and difficulty walking. More seriously, the blood clots may break free and travel through the body to the lungs causing a pulmonary embolism, which is life threatening and in some cases fatal.

Ulceration

Inflammation around varicose veins that are not treated may lead to open wounds and in some circumstances ulcerate. Failure to treat ulcers can lead to the spreading of infection which can have a serious impact on your health.

Treatment of varicose veins will depend on the severity of the condition. Not all varicose veins will require treatment and with the right advice some varicose veins can be managed to prevent their advancement. However should a patient not see a medical professional the reality is that these symptoms will more than likely get worse.

Here at Specialist Vein Care, we have a variety of treatment methods to treat the damaged vein including endovenous ablation, ambulatory phlebectomy and ultrasound guided sclerotherapy. For further information or to arrange an appointment with one of our varicose vein specialists please call .