Varicose Veins: How Dangerous Are They?

Varicose veins are twisted, swollen blood vessels just under the surface of your skin. These bulges usually appear on the legs, feet, and ankles and can be uncomfortable to live with. 

However, despite their unsightly and painful appearance, varicose veins typically do not pose a health risk. But what about the rare cases where the varicose veins can cause blood clotting and cause other serious complications? Do varicose veins really pose a threat and when should you begin to worry about them? Let’s find out!

Are Varicose Veins Dangerous 

Varicose veins are more common than you think. There are times when varicose veins are merely cosmetic issues, but in other cases, they can be more serious. They can result in achy, tired, and sore legs and can adversely affect daily activities and quality of life as well as cause swelling and pain around the area. 

If you leave varicose veins untreated for a long period of time, the blood pooling in the veins can clot, which can be extremely painful. This condition is typically referred to as superficial phlebitis. In addition, it can develop into a deep vein clot called deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is dangerous and must be treated immediately.

In severe cases, varicose veins may be the beginning of a more serious condition known as chronic venous disease, characterized by brawny skin discolorations, usually on the ankles and calf. This happens when the blood accumulated in the vein leaks into a tissue, causing the skin of that area to become hard and dark-colored. Such conditions should be immediately treated to prevent further problems.

When to Start Worrying About Varicose Veins

Not all patients dealing with varicose veins see the symptoms. In this regard, there are two types of varicose veins, symptomatic and asymptomatic.

If they are asymptomatic, that means that there is no pain, swelling, ache, or changes in their skin or wounds, then they need not be treated immediately. However, since varicose veins can progress gradually, it is essential to consult your doctor to start taking care of them. Treatment may be able to help you if you are bothered by them for cosmetic reasons.

Symptomatic varicose veins, however, cause pain, swelling, tenderness, and throbbing in the legs, and patients will often complain they feel tired or heavy in their legs due to the extra blood flow. As the condition progresses, you might begin to notice skin discoloration around the area due to blood clotting. There are possibilities that your skin will become red, irritated, brown, and itchy. In its most severe form, this will lead to a condition called the venous stasis ulcer where the blood will leak from the veins or the wounds. This typically occurs when the skin is damaged.

In the case of any of these symptoms, a vein specialist can provide a vein evaluation consultation to address them. Delaying can cause more serious issues within the body.

Do Not Ignore Painful Varicose Veins

Here are some serious complications you can face if you ignore the conditions we listed above:

• Skin ulcers: Skin ulcers are a complication of chronic venous insufficiency and deep vein thrombosis. They are caused by impaired blood flow to the legs and a lack of oxygen and nutrients to the skin and tissues underneath. These ulcers are usually located near the ankle on the lower leg, and they are painful.
• Bleeding: The amount of blood in varicose veins is larger than normal. If the vein is injured or cut, there can be significant bleeding or bruising. Also, if the injury is large, bleeding may take longer than normal to stop.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): In deep vein thrombosis (DVT), blood clots form in the leg's deep veins, causing serious complications. Varicose veins do not directly cause DVT, but they can increase the risk. It is possible for DVT to cause pain, swelling, warmth, and redness in the affected leg and, if left untreated, it can lead to pulmonary embolism.
• Swelling in your Legs or Ankles: Swelling in the legs or ankles is one of the most common symptoms of varicose veins. It happens when the valves in your leg veins fail to close properly, allowing fluid to leak out into the surrounding tissues. Fluid buildup leads to swelling and inflammation. 

To reduce the progression of the condition, contact your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms. Visit BASS Vein Center for expert advice. If you have questions or concerns about your veins, we have the knowledge and expertise to assist you. Among the vascular treatments we offer at our center are Conservative Vein Treatment, Radiofrequency Ablation Therapy, VenaSeal, Sclerotherapy, and Ambulatory Phlebectomy.