Why You Should Not Leave Varicose Veins Untreated

When your veins are working as they should, they help keep deoxygenated blood flowing back to your heart. Sometimes, these veins can become either weakened or damaged, causing them to transport blood ineffectively. Some common risk factors for developing varicose veins include genetics and sedentary lifestyle.

Regardless of the cause, though, compromised veins become more visible, often taking on a twisted or bulging appearance. While you might think this is just a cosmetic concern, there can be several consequences of leaving varicose veins untreated.

Recognizing the Risks of Going Untreated

Because varicose veins and visible spider veins, or telangiectasia, can cause blood to pool in your legs, you may start experiencing swelling and a heavy, aching feeling. This can make it uncomfortable to stand for long periods of time. You may notice that the pain decreases whenever you move or raise your legs and walk around.

Varicose veins can also cause symptoms such as:

Pain over the bulging veins
A burning sensation in your calf or thigh
Discomfort or pain in your legs
Dry, itchy skin
Slow-healing leg wounds
Numbness or tingling

Heaviness, tiredness, aching

Vein disease causes chronic pain, and without treatment, the circulatory problems won’t go away.

Are Untreated Varicose Veins Dangerous?

De-oxygenated blood pooling in the legs contains toxins that are unhealthy for the tissue of the leg. Untreated varicose veins can also lead to a range of other dangerous conditions, such as:

Spontaneous bleeding: Because varicose veins are close to your skin’s surface, any small cut can make these veins burst, causing spontaneous, extensive bleeding.
Venous ulcers: Whether they occur on your ankles or legs, venous ulcers can cause tenderness, swelling and discharge. These wounds are slow-healing, which increases their chances of infection.
Superficial thrombophlebitis: This condition is caused by inflammation of veins right below the skin’s surface. Symptoms can range from redness to leg swelling and pain.
Deep Vein Thrombosis: Typically occurring in the legs, Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) causes symptoms such as warmth, cramping, swelling and pain. These clots are located within deep veins and have the potential to break off and lead to a pulmonary embolism.

How to Treat Varicose Veins

At Central Florida Vein and Vascular Center, we provide minimally invasive varicose vein treatments for patients of all ages. No matter what symptoms or circulatory condition you are facing, our board-certified, fellowship-trained vascular surgeons will be with you every step of the way, discussing every detail and treatment option with you.

All of our treatments are done in-office and allow you to return to light-duty work immediately.

Learn more about treatment options:

See Our Services

Learn More About Our Minimally Invasive Treatments

If you’ve been experiencing uncomfortable or painful symptoms of varicose veins, the physicians at Central Florida Vein and Vascular Center are here to help. We can provide a diagnosis and develop a minimally invasive treatment plan tailored to your needs. To learn more about our procedures and start receiving treatment, schedule a consultation today.