Varicose veins are a common condition, often dismissed as a purely cosmetic concern. However, without treatment, they can lead to a range of health problems that may significantly affect your comfort and well-being. In this article, we explore the potential risks of leaving varicose veins untreated and explain why early intervention can help protect your vein health and prevent more serious complications.
Progression of symptoms
If left untreated, varicose veins often worsen over time. What may start as a mild nuisance can gradually develop into persistent discomfort. Many people notice an increase in symptoms such as aching, throbbing, or a feeling of heaviness in the legs, particularly after standing or sitting for long periods. Swelling around the ankles and calves can also become more noticeable as the condition progresses.
Ignoring these symptoms can have a significant impact on your daily life. Activities that were once routine, like walking or exercising, may become uncomfortable or even painful. Seeking treatment early not only helps to relieve these unpleasant symptoms but also prevents further deterioration of your vein health.
Skin changes
As varicose veins worsen, they can cause noticeable changes to the skin. Reduced blood flow and increased pressure in the veins may damage the surrounding tissues, leading to discomfort and visible skin problems. Over time, these changes can become permanent if not treated.
Common skin changes include:
- Discolouration, often brown or reddish patches on the lower legs
- Dry, itchy, or irritated skin
- Eczema-like inflammation, known as venous stasis dermatitis
- Thickened, hardened skin caused by long-term inflammation (lipodermatosclerosis)
Venous ulcers
If varicose veins are left untreated, they can eventually lead to the development of venous ulcers. These are open sores that often appear around the ankles and can be slow and difficult to heal. Ulcers form when the increased pressure in the veins damages the surrounding skin and tissue, causing it to break down. Without addressing the underlying vein problem, these wounds may recur frequently and significantly impact quality of life, often requiring long-term wound care and medical attention.
Bleeding
Another potential complication of untreated varicose veins is bleeding. Because varicose veins often lie just beneath the surface of the skin, they are more vulnerable to knocks or scratches. Even minor injuries can cause a vein to burst, leading to sudden and sometimes heavy bleeding. In some cases, the skin may break down on its own without any obvious injury. This type of bleeding can be difficult to control without medical treatment and may require urgent care to prevent further complications.
Blood clots
Varicose veins can also increase your risk of blood clots forming in the affected veins. One common condition is superficial thrombophlebitis, where a clot forms in a vein just below the surface of the skin, causing redness, pain and swelling. While this type of clot is less serious than deeper clots, it can still be uncomfortable and may require treatment to ease the symptoms.
Infection
Untreated varicose veins can also increase the risk of skin infections, such as cellulitis. When the skin becomes damaged or ulcerated, bacteria can enter more easily, leading to redness, swelling, and tenderness that requires antibiotic treatment.
When to seek treatment
It’s advisable to consult a qualified healthcare professional if:
- Your varicose veins are painful, worsening, or causing skin changes.
- You develop ulcers, sudden swelling, or redness.
- You have concerns about appearance or discomfort affecting your quality of life.
What are the treatment options?
For mild cases, lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, elevating your legs, and wearing compression stockings may help to relieve symptoms. However, for more advanced varicose veins, a specialist may recommend a minimally invasive treatment such as laser therapy or sclerotherapy. In very severe cases, surgery may be required.
At Southwest Veins, we deliver outstanding results for our patients using foam sclerotherapy, effectively treating the entire length of the long saphenous vein where needed. Although laser therapy is often considered the gold standard based on short- and medium-term outcomes, long-term data remains limited. In contrast, our own results with sclerotherapy are backed by thorough data collection, providing a clearer picture of lasting treatment success.
If you’d like to find out more about our treatment approach, you can arrange a free assessment by visiting our appointment booking page.
Jamie Barwell is a Consultant Vascular Surgeon who has treated over 1000 patients with varicose vein problems, using open surgical techniques and, since 2007, foam sclerotherapy. He is a graduate of Guy’s Hospital Medical School and a fellow of Royal College of Surgeons of England.