What Happens If I Don’t Treat My Varicose Veins?

What Happens If I Don’t Treat My Varicose Veins?

Most people see varicose veins as just a cosmetic issue. Those twisted, bulging veins on your legs might make you self-conscious about wearing shorts or skirts. But varicose veins are also dangerous. What starts as a minor annoyance can turn into painful complications if left untreated. The California Vein & Vascular Centers in the Greater San Jose and Monterey County areas can help you make informed decisions about your vascular health. Let’s explore why treating varicose veins matters more than you might think.

We Help Patients Deal With Their Varicose Veins

California Vein & Vascular Centers see patients daily who wish they had addressed their varicose veins sooner. Our specialists understand that vein problems go beyond appearance, and we focus on helping patients prevent complications before they start. Everyone deserves to live without pain or worry about their vascular health. You can rely on us for treatments to help you feel comfortable and confident again.

What Are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins happen when valves in the leg veins stop working properly. These valves usually keep blood flowing toward the heart. When they fail, blood pools in the vein, causing it to swell and twist. You might notice dark blue or purple veins that bulge from the skin on your legs and feet. Some people feel pain, heaviness, or cramping in the affected areas. Others experience itching or burning sensations around the veins.

Ignoring Varicose Veins Can Be Harmful

Many people think varicose veins will stay the same or get better on their own. Unfortunately, this rarely happens. They tend to worsen over time without proper treatment. The longer you wait, the more likely you are to develop complications. Your symptoms may become more severe, and new problems can arise. Early treatment is always easier and more effective than waiting until complications develop.

Untreated Varicose Veins May Cause Painful Skin Ulcers and Sores

Among the most serious complications of varicose veins are skin ulcers. These open wounds typically form near the ankles, where blood pools the most. Poor circulation weakens your skin over time, making it more likely to break down. Venous ulcers are notoriously difficult to heal. They can become infected and cause significant pain, seriously impacting one’s quality of life and ability to stay active.

The skin around untreated varicose veins may also become thick, dark, and leathery. This condition, called lipodermatosclerosis, makes legs feel heavy and uncomfortable.

Varicose Veins Increase the Risk of Blood Clots

Sluggish blood flow due to varicose veins creates the perfect environment for clots to develop. Superficial blood clots in varicose veins cause a condition called thrombophlebitis. You might notice redness, warmth, and tenderness along the affected vein. While these clots usually aren’t life-threatening, they can be very uncomfortable.

More concerning is the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Although less common, DVT can lead to pulmonary embolism, a potentially fatal condition where a clot travels to your lungs.

Your Varicose Veins May Rupture and Cause Serious Bleeding

Varicose veins sit close to the skin’s surface and have thin walls. This makes them vulnerable to injury. Even minor bumps or scratches can cause significant bleeding. When varicose veins rupture, the bleeding can be dramatic and difficult to stop. The thin skin over the veins offers little protection. While you might be able to control the bleeding by elevating your leg and applying pressure, it’s frightening when it happens. Some people may need emergency medical care to stop severe bleeding.

Skin Infections May Happen Due to Varicose Veins

Poor circulation from varicose veins makes your skin more prone to infections. Bacteria can enter through small cuts or cracks in the weakened skin. Cellulitis, a serious skin condition, is more common in people with untreated varicose veins.

Signs of infection include increased pain, redness, warmth, and swelling. You might also develop a fever. Skin infections require immediate medical treatment with antibiotics. Severe cases may need hospital care. The combination of poor circulation and infection can create a cycle that’s hard to break. Infections heal slowly when blood flow is compromised, increasing the risk of complications.

Our Varicose Vein Treatment Options

Modern varicose vein treatments are minimally invasive and highly effective. The California Vein & Vascular Centers team will evaluate your situation and recommend an approach that may include:

• The Venefit™ Procedure – This minimally invasive treatment uses heat to collapse and seal off varicose veins, preventing blood from flowing through them.
• Sclerotherapy – Sclerotherapy involves injecting a safe solution to close smaller varicose veins. It’s particularly effective for spider veins.
• Radiofrequency Ablation – This approach uses radio waves to heat and close veins. RFA requires minimal downtime.
• Ambulatory Phlebectomy – Our team uses ambulatory phlebectomy to remove larger varicose veins through tiny incisions.

Contact Our Experts in Greater San Jose and Monterey County Today

Don’t wait for complications of varicose veins to develop. The longer you postpone treatment, the more complex your condition may become. Rely on California Vein & Vascular Centers in the Monterey County and Greater San Jose areas to provide care options that keep you healthy and active. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.