Varicose veins are often considered only a cosmetic problem. However, medical studies show that
patients with varicose veins have up to a six-fold higher risk of developing venous thrombosis compared to people without varicose veins.
Varicose veins occur when the valves inside the veins stop working properly. As a result, blood begins to
flow backwards and stagnate in the veins, creating ideal conditions for blood clot formation.
This can lead to
superficial thrombophlebitis, an inflammatory condition where a clot forms inside a vein. In some cases, the clot can extend into the deep veins, causing
deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
The most serious complication is
pulmonary embolism, which occurs when part of the clot travels to the lungs. This is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires urgent medical attention.
If varicose veins are left untreated, chronic venous insufficiency may develop and the skin and tissues of the legs can become progressively damaged.
Common complications include:
- Skin hyperpigmentation around the lower leg or ankle
- Venous eczema (chronic inflammatory skin changes)
- Persistent leg swelling and skin thickening
- Venous leg ulcers that may take months to heal
- Severe bleeding from varicose veins
Bleeding from varicose veins can sometimes occur after minimal trauma or even during a shower. In rare cases it may require urgent medical care.