Risks resulting from the non-treatment of varicose veins
- Varicose veins are a chronic and progressive condition with a hereditary component.
- Without treatment, the symptoms of the condition (heaviness, pain, oedema, itching, etc.) and the state of your veins (increase in the number and size of varicose veins) can worsen. In some people this is a gradual process, while others will notice that their condition develops quickly.
- Depending on the length of the progression of your condition and its potential for deterioration, complications can also occur with the skin and underlying tissues: pigmentation, eczema, inflammation, atrophy or even ulcers.
- Varicose veins are, in fact, responsible for more that half of all leg ulcers, which occur in approximately 1% of the general population.
- Complications may also occur with the interior of the veins, namely superficial phlebitis or even deep phlebitis (clots forming inside a vein).
- Sometimes haemorrhagic ruptures of varicose veins are also possible.