Varicose veins are often brushed off as a cosmetic issue. Those twisted, enlarged veins visible just under the skin—typically in the legs—may seem harmless at first. However, ignoring them can lead to complications that go far beyond appearance. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What happens if varicose veins are left untreated?”, the short answer is: they can lead to significant discomfort and potentially serious medical problems.
Let’s take a closer look at what happens when varicose veins are left unchecked—and why early intervention matters.
What Happens If Do Nothing with Varicose Veins?
When left untreated, varicose veins can develop into a more advanced form of venous disease known as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). CVI occurs when the veins in your legs are no longer able to effectively return blood to your heart.
Here are five key complications that can arise:
1. Leg Pain, Heaviness, and Cramping
In the early stages, you may notice your legs feeling tired, heavy, or achy by the end of the day. This discomfort typically worsens with prolonged standing or sitting. Over time, the pain may become chronic and interfere with daily activities. You might also experience nighttime leg cramps or a burning sensation along the vein path.
2. Swelling and Skin Changes
When blood flow becomes increasingly restricted, fluid can leak into surrounding tissue, causing noticeable swelling (edema) in the ankles and lower legs. As this progresses, the skin may become discolored—taking on a brownish or reddish hue. You might also develop venous eczema, a rash-like condition, or lipodermatosclerosis, which causes the skin to harden and tighten.
These symptoms signal that your vein disease is advancing and may soon lead to open sores or infection.
3. Venous Ulcers
One of the most serious consequences of leaving varicose veins untreated is the development of venous ulcers—open wounds, usually near the ankles, that are slow to heal due to poor circulation. These ulcers can become infected, require extensive wound care, and severely impact your quality of life.
Once an ulcer forms, treatment becomes more complicated, and healing may take weeks or even months.
4. Spontaneous Bleeding
Because varicose veins are close to the skin’s surface and under increased pressure, they can rupture easily—sometimes with little to no warning. Minor trauma, even from shaving or scratching, can result in heavy bleeding that may be difficult to control.
This type of bleeding can be frightening and usually indicates the need for urgent vein treatment.
5. Blood Clots and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Possibly the most dangerous risk of untreated varicose veins is the development of blood clots. When blood pools in the veins, it increases the likelihood of superficial thrombophlebitis (clots in surface veins) or deep vein thrombosis (DVT)—a serious medical condition where clots form in deeper veins.
DVT can become life-threatening if a clot breaks free and travels to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism (PE). Although varicose veins affect surface veins, severe vein disease and untreated cases can increase DVT risk—especially in those with limited mobility or other risk factors like obesity or smoking.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore the Signs
Now that you know what happens if varicose veins are left untreated, it’s clear that early diagnosis and intervention can prevent a range of complications—from skin damage to life-threatening blood clots. Even if your varicose veins are currently painless, it’s important to watch for warning signs such as:
-
Persistent leg swelling
-
Aching, cramping, or heaviness
-
Discolored or itchy skin
-
Restless legs
-
Visible bulging veins
-
Open sores near the ankles
Treatment Options for Varicose Veins
The good news is that you don’t have to live with painful or unsightly veins. Today’s vein treatments are minimally invasive, highly effective, and often covered by insurance. At USA Vein Clinics, we specialize in outpatient procedures that allow you to return to normal activities quickly, including:
-
Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT)
-
Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS)
-
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
-
VenaSeal™ Closure System
These non-surgical solutions target the root cause of varicose veins by closing off damaged veins and redirecting blood flow to healthy ones. Most treatments take less than an hour and require little to no downtime.
Take the First Step Toward Healthier Legs
Ignoring varicose veins won’t make them disappear. On the contrary, untreated varicose veins can worsen over time, resulting in pain, skin problems, ulcers, or even dangerous blood clots. By seeking care early, you can improve your comfort, appearance, and long-term vascular health.
At USA Vein Clinics, our experienced team is here to help you take control of your vein health at any of our over 160 locatins!
