Blood Clots Clots in deep veins can travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, causing potentially life-threatening issues like a pulmonary embolism, which can be fatal. This is one of the most serious health risks associated with untreated varicose veins.
Blood clots
thrombophlebitis – swelling (inflammation) of the veins in your leg. deep vein thrombosis – which can cause pain and swelling in the leg, and may lead to serious complications like pulmonary embolism.
Leaving varicose veins untreated can lead to skin ulcers from small cuts or minor wounds that refuse to heal. The area will swell, and the tension from the veins prevents the swelling from receding. In order to treat the veins, you'll have to first treat the swelling.
What to Watch For. If you are experiencing pain or you notice swelling or discoloration of your lower legs, these can be signs of a more serious problem and you should consult a doctor. Other symptoms might include burning, cramping, itching or throbbing in the legs, and some might experience restless leg syndrome.
Ulcers (Stage 4)
This is the final stage of varicose veins. Your leg will be swollen with discoloured skin and an ulcer may develop. If left untreated it can be extremely painful and the veins may burst. Treatment at this stage is pretty much limited to minimally invasive treatments like EVLT or Surgery.
However, with severe varicose veins, there is a small chance of developing blood clots in the deep veins. Blood clots need medical care right away. Symptoms of blood clots include pain, swelling, and redness of the leg. Blood clots may also happen in the arms or other parts of the body.
Varicose veins do not always need treatment. If your varicose veins are not causing you discomfort, you may not need to have treatment. Treatment of varicose veins is usually only necessary to: ease symptoms – if your varicose veins are causing you pain or discomfort.
If you still have pain or other symptoms after trying home treatment for 6 to 12 months, you may want to have surgery or a procedure. If your main concern is how your legs look, you could have treatment whenever you want. Home care won't change how your legs look.
There's some good news, though. "Varicose veins typically aren't life-threatening or limb-threatening, and they generally don't increase your chance of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or developing blood clots, which is what a lot of people worry about," says Dr. Lu.
Varicose veins can cause ulcers (open sores), bleeding and skin discoloration if left untreated. Severe varicose veins may be a sign of chronic venous insufficiency. This condition affects your veins' ability to pump blood to your heart. People who have varicose veins may be more likely to develop blood clots.
Different risk factors associated with the advancement of varicose veins are age, gender, occupation, pregnancy, family history, smoking, BMI and obesity, exercise, genetic factor, and current lifestyle.
While exercise won't cure varicose veins, it can help improve your symptoms and reduce your risk of developing more. Walking, biking and swimming are all great low-impact exercises that are easy on the joints and help circulation in varicose veins.
Blood Clots
Clots in deep veins can travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, causing potentially life-threatening issues like a pulmonary embolism, which can be fatal. This is one of the most serious health risks associated with untreated varicose veins.
The short answer: No, it does not. Varicose veins are formed due to weakened vein valves, which has nothing to do with your current heart health. There is no link between varicose veins and heart disease or arterial disease, or being overweight.
Varicose veins can be as uncomfortable as they are unsightly. Over time, these symptoms can lead to secondary complications that significantly impact your health. Some studies have found that there may even be a connection between varicose veins and low energy levels.
Varicose vein surgery is performed under general anaesthetic. A tiny needle is placed in the back of your hand. The anaesthetic is injected through the needle and you will be asleep within a few seconds.
You will need to take it easy at home for 3 to 7 days after the surgery. How long it takes for you to recover depends on how many veins were removed. After surgery, problems caused by the varicose veins may go away. Removing varicose veins usually doesn't cause circulation problems.
Catheter-based procedures using radiofrequency or laser energy. This procedure is the preferred treatment for larger varicose veins. A health care provider inserts a thin tube (catheter) into an enlarged vein and heats the tip of the catheter using either radiofrequency or laser energy.
Endovenous Laser Ablation vs Vein Stripping Costs
According to our own research and CHOICE Magazine, the average out of pocket cost for Endovenous Laser Ablation in Australia is between $2,500 and $4,000 per treatment, whilst vein stripping is around $2,000 (plus hospital and anaesthetic costs).
Each of these treatments is virtually painless. This is because veins have no nerve endings. The only sensation a patient typically feels is the poke of the tiny needle used to administer local anesthetic.
Spider veins usually disappear in 3 to 6 weeks. Varicose veins take 3 to 4 months. To get the best results, you may need 2 or 3 treatments. A dermatologist can perform these treatments during an office visit.
Blood thinning medication will unfortunately not 'fix' the physical problem of inefficient valves, which is what causes varicose veins. It may bring some relief, but won't cure the problem itself.
It is a serious condition that can cause severe pain, injury, and potentially fatal consequences. This can include pulmonary embolism, stroke, or heart attack. Those who are already experiencing varicose veins or venous insufficiency are more prone to onset of deep vein thrombosis.