Over 40 million Americans have varicose veins caused by chronic venous insufficiency. Often, this condition is ignored because of lack of pain. It’s easy to forget about varicose veins when they are covered up half of the year and especially if they don’t hurt. Use this article as a heads up if you fit into this group. What are the long-term effects of untreated varicose veins?
Varicose Veins Are More Than Just Cosmetic
Many people consider varicose veins as a purely cosmetic problem. That might be true for spider veins, much smaller versions that show up on your skin as blue or purple spider-like webs, hence their name. They are typically harmless, but they can be a sign of chronic venous insufficiency.
True varicose veins can become quite dangerous if left untreated, especially when they eventually become painful. What follows are some long-term effects of untreated varicose veins.
You Will Develop Pain in Your Legs From Poor Circulation
When blood doesn’t flow properly and pools in the legs, veins can swell and cause pain. It can cause veins to twist and turn close to the surface of the skin and show or even protrude. That results in legs and feet that feel heavy, feel warm, swell, and burn.
Your legs will feel tired after any kind of exertion and throb when you try to rest. You may even have restless legs that won’t stay still when you try to relax. The best course of action if you have any of these symptoms is to make an appointment with Veinology Health.
Blood Clots May Form
This can be a dangerous situation. Blood pooling in your damaged varicose vein can lead to clots. They can move to other areas of the body and become life threatening. Thrombophlebitis is another word for blood clots associated with varicose veins which will then become hard to the touch.
This can also be known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and it is extremely dangerous if a clot breaks loose.
Skin Ulcers Can Develop
Even the most minor cut or wound can cause a skin ulcer to form that won’t heal. It is possible to treat these ulcers if you seek out a vascular professional like Veinology Health.
Infection May Occur
Infection can follow when someone gets a skin ulcer, and bacteria can get into the blood system. Watch for signs of infection like redness and hotness at the site. There is specific medication needed to treat these varicose vein related infections.
Don’t ignore your varicose veins and leave them untreated. You may have to deal with long-term complications that will affect your quality of life.
Contact Veinology Health at 888-783-0111 and ask about a minimally invasive procedure that will treat your varicose veins with a shorter recovery time, or request an appointment through our secure online form.
Sources:
Do Not Leave Varicose Veins Untreated | Vein Centre (veinreliever.com)
The Hidden Dangers of Untreated Varicose Veins (ilveins.com)
6 Hidden Dangers if You Don’t Treat Varicose Veins (azuravascularcare.com)
