Varicose veins are twisted, enlarged veins caused by increased blood pressure. When the valves in the vein become weakened, strained, or damaged, blood can begin to pool, causing varicose or spider veins. If left untreated, varicose veins can become painful, make it difficult to move and walk around, and disrupt the daily functioning of everyday life.
If left untreated, prominent varicose veins can develop into more serious problems such as blood clots, chronic inflammation, ulcers, phlebitis, and DVT. Even minor or mild symptoms can be indicators of underlying issues and, if ignored, can worsen over time. Contact a vein doctor for a full evaluation and to establish a course of treatment.
Ignoring your vein issues or leaving them untreated can have negative consequences, having long-term impacts on the quality of your health and life. Some conditions are dangerous and may lead to the need for critical care, such as:
- Severe Pain / Discomfort: As the veins continue to deteriorate due to lack of treatment, the pain, discomfort, and affected mobility will increase. If enough time elapses, the effects could be irreversible. Take and follow the recommendations suggested by your healthcare provider and your specialist. If your condition reaches a certain point, your specialist may even recommend vein surgery.
- Swollen Legs: Varicose veins are not only an aesthetic nuisance- they can also lead to serious health concerns. When left untreated, the entire leg may begin to swell, further contributing to the pain and discomfort. You should not ignore any of these signs, especially if they seem to be worsening, and look for a skilled varicose vein specialist. They will evaluate your symptoms, determine your condition, and develop a proper treatment plan depending on the severity of your case.
- Weakness & Fatigue: When bulging, enlarged, or varicose veins are left untreated, blood clots may begin to form. Any circumstance in which your veins, valves, blood vessels, etc. are compromised, it’s a direct connection to your heart. Even a minor condition may worsen with time, leading to strain on the overall cardiovascular and circulatory systems. At this point, your body will be trying very hard to keep up, resulting in an overwhelming feeling of fatigue and body weakness. Performing daily tasks or just moving around may become difficult due to the mental and physical tiredness. In addition to any treatments your specialist will provide, they will also always recommend a heart-healthy diet and a balanced, physically active lifestyle. (Over-exertion, powerlifting, heavyweight lifting, and not taking enough rest periods is not recommended and can make conditions worse.)
- Leg Ulcers: Untreated vein issues can lead to leg ulcers, which must be taken very seriously. Leg ulcers are painful, can be recurring, and can further lead to more severe problems such as skin and bone infections. People diagnosed with leg ulcers are at a higher risk of suffering from skin cancer. Therefore, it is recommended to seek advice from a vein specialist. In severe cases, surgery or other treatments may be required. However, this can only be determined by a professional, which is why you should seek immediate medical attention if you begin to suspect you may be experiencing any of these indicators.
- Blood Clot Conditions and Complications: As mentioned before, untreated vein issues may lead to blood clots, which increases the risk of severe heart diseases and situations such as thrombosis and lipodermatosclerosis.
Ignoring any of these signs can impact your overall long-term health. If you experience pain or struggle with veins, you should seek immediate medical attention. A varicose vein is a treatable condition, and there are minimally invasive treatment options that may help keep the condition under control and prevent future issues. The treatment option will entirely depend on the severity of your condition.
Your treatment options will depend entirely on the severity of your condition, as determined by your specialist. For example, for early-stage, mild vein symptoms, your specialist may recommend some lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, etc.) and provide some medication if necessary. Taking early action can be the key to preventing more severe future complications.
On the other hand, when left untreated, more advanced treatment may be required such as minimally invasive procedures or surgical procedures. These are some of the treatment options available:
- Laser treatment
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Sclerotherapy
- Ligation and stripping
There are many factors to consider when determining a treatment plan for your future. Your specialist healthcare providers will take into consideration your current lifestyle including age, weight, level of activity, etc. as well as your medical history and your family’s medical history.
Your family history, age, medical history, weight, and ability to move correctly are some of the factors that will be considered to evaluate your condition. The healthcare providers will use these factors to determine if a surgical procedure is appropriate for you.
Look for an experienced vein treatment clinic and schedule an appointment to discuss your concerns and look towards your future.