What Happens if You Don’t Treat Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that most commonly appear on the legs and feet. They occur when the valves in the veins weaken or are damaged, causing blood to pool instead of flowing efficiently back to the heart. While often seen as a cosmetic issue, varicose veins affect millions of adults worldwide and can lead to more serious health problems if ignored.
Without treatment, you may experience increased pain, swelling, and skin changes. Over time, untreated varicose veins can cause dangerous conditions like blood clots, bleeding, and venous ulcers that are difficult to heal. These complications not only affect your mobility but can also significantly reduce your quality of life.
Don’t let untreated varicose veins turn into a more serious health concern. At CACVI, our expert team of vein specialists are ready to help you regain your comfort and health by providing proper care and treatment for varicose veins. Contact us now to schedule a consultation.
The purpose of this blog is to highlight the importance of addressing varicose veins early. It will also talk about the potential health risks that will occur if varicose veins are left untreated.
What Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are blue or purple swollen, twisted, and enlarged veins that often appear beneath the skin’s surface. They typically develop in the legs due to the increased pressure that standing or walking places on the veins.
These bulging veins most commonly occur in the legs and feet, especially in the calf area and behind the knees. However, they can also develop in other parts of the body, such as the pelvis. They are not just cosmetic issues but can also signal underlying venous disease.
Typically, varicose veins develop when the valves inside the veins weaken or are damaged, leading to poor blood flow. Common causes include genetic factors, obesity, pregnancy, and prolonged periods of standing or sitting, all of which increase pressure on the veins. A sedentary lifestyle, aging, and a family history of vein disease can also elevate the risk of developing varicose veins.
The Early Symptoms and Warning Signs
The common symptoms of varicose veins start with aching legs, swelling, a feeling of heaviness, itching, and muscle cramps. As it progresses, the skin around the veins may also change color and become dry or itchy.
In more severe cases, varicose veins can lead to pain, visible bulging veins, and even non-healing ulcers.
What Happens If You Don’t Treat Varicose Veins?
Untreated varicose veins can lead to a range of short-term discomforts and more serious long-term health problems that go far beyond cosmetic concerns. If left unmanaged, varicose veins pose significant risks to your health and well-being.
Short-Term Effects of Untreated Varicose Veins
As varicose veins progress, it comes with worsening pain and discomfort, making it difficult to perform everyday activities. Symptoms like muscle cramps and fatigue often increase, especially after prolonged periods of standing or sitting.
Furthermore, stagnant blood flow in the superficial veins causes fluid to accumulate in the legs, leading to swelling and heaviness in the legs. This can also result in tired, achy legs and difficulty moving.
Additionally, blood pooling in various veins affects circulation, leading to an increased risk of cramps and fatigue, especially at night. This further contributes to discomfort and interrupts sleep.
Progressive Health Risks
Untreated varicose veins can lead to chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a condition where blood flow in the legs becomes so poor that it no longer returns effectively to the heart. This condition can cause persistent swelling and skin changes and even lead to venous leg ulcers. Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) affects blood vessels and tissues, ultimately resulting in significant discomfort and mobility issues.
As varicose veins progress, skin issues occur around the affected veins as the skin may start to discolor and become irritated. Symptoms like eczema, rashes, and itching can develop due to poor blood circulation, which damages the skin’s surface. When left untreated, these skin conditions can worsen, leading to open sores and non-healing ulcers.
In addition, one of the most serious outcomes of chronic venous insufficiency is the development of venous leg ulcers. These ulcers form on the skin near varicose veins, typically around the ankles, and are slow to heal. They often become infected and require long-term medical attention.
Serious Complications
A dangerous complication of untreated varicose veins is the formation of blood clots in the deeper veins, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). If a blood clot breaks loose, it can travel to the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening condition that blocks blood flow in the lungs. Pulmonary embolisms are medical emergencies and highlight the importance of treating varicose veins before complications escalate.
Another complication is superficial thrombophlebitis, which involves inflammation and clotting in the superficial veins. This condition is often painful and can lead to swelling and redness in the affected area.
Varicose veins that are close to the skin’s surface can sometimes burst, leading to bleeding. This happens due to the increased pressure in the veins, particularly after minor injuries or trauma to the area. Bleeding can be dangerous, and medical attention is required to prevent further complications .
Mental Health Impact
Beyond physical health issues, varicose veins can take a toll on mental health. People with visible varicose veins often feel self-conscious and may experience reduced confidence and self-esteem. The aesthetic visibility of bulging veins can make individuals uncomfortable in social settings or while wearing certain types of clothing, such as shorts or skirts.
As a result of visible varicose veins and the discomfort they cause, some individuals may begin avoiding activities they once enjoyed. This could include exercising, swimming, or attending social gatherings where their legs might be exposed. Over time, this avoidance behavior can impact both physical and emotional well-being.
Is It Ok to Leave Varicose Veins Untreated?
No, it is not ok to leave varicose veins untreated, as it can lead to health risks. While many people initially view varicose veins as merely a cosmetic issue, the consequences of neglecting them extend far beyond appearance. Untreated varicose veins can worsen over time, causing discomfort, pain, and more serious health complications, such as blood clots, leg ulcers, and even life-threatening conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism.
You should worry about varicose veins if you experience symptoms such as severe leg pain, swelling, persistent cramping, skin discoloration, or open sores near the veins. Once these occur, it is time to consult a healthcare professional. Additionally, if your varicose veins begin to bleed or you notice signs of a blood clot, such as sudden swelling, warmth, and redness, you should seek immediate medical attention. Regular check-ups with a specialist ensure that any progression of the condition is addressed early, preventing more serious complications from developing. If you’re concerned about your varicose veins or experiencing warning signs, reach out to CACVI.
Options for Treating Varicose Veins
If left untreated, varicose veins can lead to discomfort and more serious health complications. Thankfully, several varicose vein treatment options are available, ranging from noninvasive approaches to minimally invasive procedures and surgical interventions. The right treatment depends on the severity of your condition and your personal health needs.
When it comes to non-invasive procedures, wearing compression stockings is often the first line of defense in treating varicose veins. These special stockings help improve blood flow, reduce leg swelling, and alleviate discomfort. They are ideal for mild cases of varicose veins or as a preventative measure for those at risk.
Another non-invasive procedure is making simple lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, weight management, avoiding prolonged periods of standing or sitting, and elevating your legs. These can help reduce symptoms and prevent the progression of varicose veins.
In addition, Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure that serves as a varicose vein treatment. This involves injecting a solution directly into the affected vein, causing it to collapse and eventually be absorbed by the body. This procedure is effective for treating both varicose veins and spider veins.
Another varicose vein treatment method is Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT). This method uses laser energy to heat and close off the problematic vein. The blood is then naturally redirected to healthier veins to improve circulation. This minimally invasive procedure has a high success rate and a quick recovery time.
Similarly, Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive method that uses radiofrequency energy to heat the vein walls, causing them to collapse and seal shut. It is effective for treating larger varicose veins.
For more severe cases that may need surgical procedures, ambulatory phlebectomy is a treatment option. This involves making small incisions to remove superficial varicose veins. This procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis and is ideal for removing bulging veins close to the skin’s surface.
In more severe cases, surgical ligation and stripping may be necessary. This involves tying off and removing the affected veins to improve blood flow. While effective, this procedure requires more recovery time compared to non-invasive and minimally invasive treatments.
In most cases, treated varicose veins do not return. However, the development of new varicose veins is possible, especially if the underlying risk factors, such as genetics or a sedentary lifestyle, remain unaddressed. Regular follow-up care and lifestyle adjustments can help reduce the risk of recurrence.
How Much Does It Cost to Treat Varicose Veins?
The cost of varicose vein treatment varies depending on the type of procedure, the extent of the condition, and the healthcare provider. Typically, varicose veins treatment cost could go as high as $13,000.
Non-invasive options, such as compression stockings, are generally more affordable, while minimally invasive procedures like EVLT or RFA may range from several hundred to several thousand dollars. Surgical treatments tend to be more expensive due to their complexity.
How to Prevent Varicose Veins?
Preventing varicose veins is possible with proactive lifestyle changes that support healthy blood flow and reduce pressure on the veins in your legs. One of the effective ways to prevent varicose veins is to elevate your legs. Regularly elevating your legs above heart level helps reduce pressure on your veins and encourages blood flow back to your heart. Therefore, aim to elevate your legs for 15-20 minutes a few times a day, especially if you spend a lot of time sitting or standing.
Furthermore, maintaining a healthy weight reduces the strain on your legs and veins. Excess body weight increases pressure on your veins, which can contribute to the development of varicose veins. A balanced diet and regular exercise can help you manage your weight and reduce the risk.
Regular exercise also improves circulation and strengthens the muscles in your legs, which helps support your veins and promote healthy blood flow. Low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, or cycling are particularly beneficial for preventing varicose veins.
It also helps to avoid prolonged sitting or standing as it can hinder blood circulation in your legs. If your job requires long periods of standing, try to take breaks to sit and elevate your legs when possible. Similarly, if you sit for long hours, take short walks and stretch your legs every hour to improve circulation.
If you’re at high risk for varicose veins, wearing compression stockings can help. These stockings gently squeeze your legs, promoting better circulation and preventing blood from pooling in your veins.
Furthermore, you should stay active and avoid sedentary habits. You can do this by moving regularly, even if it’s just walking around your home or office. Keeping your legs moving helps blood flow and reduces the chance of blood pooling in the veins.
Varicose Veins vs Spider Veins: Key Differences
While varicose veins and spider veins are both forms of vein disease, they differ in their size, appearance, location, symptoms, and health risks. In terms of size and appearance, varicose veins are large, twisted, and bulging veins that can appear blue or dark purple. They are often raised above the skin’s surface and can be felt as thick, rope-like structures under the skin. On the other hand, spider veins are much smaller and appear as thin, web-like lines on the skin. They are typically red, blue, or purple and lie flat without bulging from the skin.
Another key difference is location. Varicose veins primarily occur in the legs and thighs but can also develop in other areas of the body, particularly where blood flow from the veins is most affected. They are often found deeper within the tissues but can still be visible through the skin. However, spider veins tend to appear closer to the skin’s surface and are most commonly found on the legs, face, and sometimes the chest.
In terms of symptoms, varicose veins are often accompanied by symptoms such as aching, swelling, heaviness in the legs, muscle cramps, and itching. If left untreated, varicose veins can worsen and lead to more serious health problems, such as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), leg ulcers, or even deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Spider veins, on the other hand, are typically painless and are more of a cosmetic concern. They can cause mild discomfort in some individuals, such as itching or a slight burning sensation. Spider veins do not usually present the same health risks as varicose veins.
Want to Remove Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are more than just a cosmetic concern—they can pose serious health risks if left untreated. These enlarged, twisted veins can lead to a range of complications, including chronic venous insufficiency (CV), blood clots, skin damage, superficial thrombophlebitis and bleeding risks.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of varicose veins or are concerned about the potential health risks, now is the time to take action. Don’t wait until complications arise—seek expert treatment by seeing a vein specialist at our Center for Advanced Cardiac and Vascular Interventions in LA. Contact us today!
✓ Medically reviewed by
Dr. Mehran J. Khorsandi
M.D., CCDS, FACP, FACC, FSCAI · Interventional and endovascular cardiology
Five board certifications and more than thirty years performing complex cardiovascular and vascular interventions. On the attending staff at Cedars-Sinai since 1993, where he has performed over ten thousand cardiac procedures.
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