Are varicose veins dangerous?

A picture of Dr. Thomas Doyle

Dr. Thomas Doyle

REQUEST CONSULTATION

In most cases, varicose veins are not considered to be a serious medical problem such as heart disease or cancer.   For some people, varicose veins are just an eye-sore and do not cause any problems with their lifestyle or mobility.

Over time, however, varicose veins will get larger and more prominent.  People may experience leg heaviness and throbbing which may also get worse with time.  The slow flowing blood in the varicose vein may even form a clot under the skin leading to swelling and redness in the area around the vein.  New varicose veins will often continue to form in patients with untreated venous insufficiency.

 Some patients may experience leg swelling that can impact their mobility and alter their shoe size by end of day.  Patients with significant swelling will usually feel that they have tired and heavy legs.  As the insufficiency gets worse, some patients may notice skin color and texture changes. In severe cases, venous insufficiency can result in more serious problems, such as a venous ulcer that can take long time heal and require numerous experts to help with healing process.

In some cases varicose veins may lead to spontaneous bleeding requiring visit to emergency room or an urgent care.

Whether you already know you have underlying vein disease or want to get checked, it’s important to not ignore your symptoms. Many people do not prioritize their vein health and will leave varicose or spider veins untreated, which can lead to worsening symptoms in the future. If you’re experiencing discomfort, our vascular specialists are here to answer all of your questions about vein disease and treatment.

Getting effective vein disease treatment has never been so easy. Consultations and are covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare and  Medicaid.

Dr. Thomas Doyle

Dr. Thomas Doyle graduated from Princeton University and Columbia University Medical School then completed his residency at Georgetown University and has been board-certified in Emergency Medicine since 1994. He has worked in vein and vascular medicine since 2005 and has performed well over 10,000 vascular procedures.

Read More