What Happens If Varicose Veins Are Left Untreated?
Many people delay varicose vein care because they believe the condition is only cosmetic. But over time, damaged vein valves can cause blood to pool in the legs, increasing pressure and leading to chronic pain, skin changes, venous ulcers, and, in some cases, dangerous blood clots. While complications develop at different rates for each person, vein disease is progressive and rarely improves without treatment.
At Gilvydis Vein Clinic, our physicians have treated thousands of patients throughout Naperville, Geneva, Rockford, and Sycamore, so we see firsthand how untreated vein disease progresses over time. In this guide, we explain what happens if varicose veins are left untreated, from early symptoms to the most serious risks.
Why Varicose Veins Don't Get Better on Their Own
Varicose veins develop when the one-way valves inside your leg veins become weakened or damaged and fail to pump blood back toward your heart. Blood flows backward and collects inside the vein, stretching the vein walls and causing the enlarged, twisted veins you see beneath the skin.
How Blood Pooling Makes Symptoms Worse Over Time
As blood pools in the legs, pressure inside the veins increases. Over months and years, that pressure affects not only the veins themselves but also the surrounding skin and tissue. Symptoms such as aching, heaviness, swelling, and tired legs are early warning signs of inefficient circulation.
Unlike a bruise or a strained muscle, damaged vein valves cannot repair themselves. Without treating the underlying valve problem, pressure continues to build, and the disease gradually progresses.
The Role of Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Over time, untreated varicose veins can develop into chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). This condition occurs when veins no longer move blood efficiently back to the heart, allowing blood to remain trapped in the lower legs. As CVI worsens, the risk of swelling, skin damage, and leg ulcers increases.
5 Complications That Develop When Varicose Veins Go Untreated
1. Chronic Pain, Swelling, and Leg Heaviness
Persistent aching, leg fatigue, and ankle swelling are usually the first signs that varicose veins have become a medical problem. Many patients seek treatment when these symptoms begin to interfere with everyday physical activities, rather than because of how the veins look.
2. Skin Changes: Discoloration and Lipodermatosclerosis
Many of our patients are surprised to learn that skin changes are directly related to their veins. Constant pressure within damaged veins can cause the skin to turn reddish-brown and eventually thicken and tighten. This condition, called lipodermatosclerosis, is considered a warning sign that vein disease has advanced and may become ulcers if left untreated.
3. Venous Ulcers
Venous ulcers are slow-healing open sores that usually develop around the ankles after years of increased vein pressure. They often require wound care and treatment of the underlying venous disease to successfully heal. Fortunately, early varicose vein treatment can help prevent ulcers from developing
4. Superficial Thrombophlebitis (Phlebitis)
Inflammation and clot formation can trigger when blood pools in varicose veins. This condition, called superficial thrombophlebitis, or phlebitis, often causes redness, warmth, tenderness, and a firm, cord-like vein beneath the skin. It should be evaluated before it extends into deeper veins.
5. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism
The most serious complication of untreated varicose veins is deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot that forms in a deep vein of the leg. Research shows people with varicose veins have an increased risk of developing DVT. If part of the clot travels to the lungs, it can cause a life-threatening pulmonary embolism.
Warning Signs Your Varicose Veins Need Immediate Attention
Schedule a vein screening if you notice:
Aching or heavy legs that continue to worsen
Swelling around the ankles or lower legs
New or worsening varicose veins
Skin discoloration near the ankles
Itching, burning, or leg fatigue that interferes with daily life
Seek emergency medical care if you experience:
Severe calf pain with redness or warmth
A varicose vein that won’t stop bleeding after applying pressure
Chest pain or sudden shortness of breath
A rapid heartbeat with leg swelling, which could indicate a pulmonary embolism
When Is the Right Time to Treat Varicose Veins?
The best time to treat varicose veins is before complications develop. Earlier treatment often prevents permanent skin damage and may reduce the risk of more serious vein disease.
The Varicose Vein Progression Stages
Stage 1: Spider Veins
Purple, red, or blue veins that develop around the skin’s outer layer. Spider veins don’t hurt and are treatable with sclerotherapy.
Stage 2: Varicose Veins
Varicose veins can cause pain or discomfort and are characterized by twisting or bulging veins around your legs and feet. They develop when the one-way valves inside your leg veins fail to circulate blood back to your heart, causing blood to pool in your lower extremities.
Stage 3: Edema
Edema develops when blood pools in your legs after periods of prolonged standing or sitting. It is often accompanied by high blood pressure or heart disease.
Stage 4: Skin Changes
Blood pooling and leaking in the skin tissue can cause the surrounding areas to appear brown and leathery. Prolonged neglect eventually leads to skin cracking and even venous ulcers.
Stage 5: Ulcers
Ulcers are painful open sores that can cause immobility and infection. Seek medical attention immediately if your untreated varicose veins lead to ulcers.
Does Insurance Cover Varicose Vein Treatment in Illinois?
Many major insurance plans cover medically necessary varicose vein treatment when patients meet clinical requirements, such as documented symptoms and a history of conservative treatment. Gilvydis Vein Clinic can help verify your benefits before treatment, making it easier to understand your coverage options.
Don't Wait for Vein Disease to Progress
Now that you’ve learned what happens if varicose veins are left untreated, don’t wait to seek care.
Varicose veins are a progressive condition, which means they typically worsen without treatment. If you’re already experiencing persistent swelling, worsening pain, skin discoloration, or other signs of vein disease, now is the right time to explore your options.
The experienced team at Gilvydis Vein Clinic provides personalized care at our locations in Naperville, Geneva, Rockford, and Sycamore. We’ve helped thousands of patients like you get back to living comfortably with effective, minimally invasive varicose vein treatment.
Medically Reviewed By:
Dr. Rimas Gilvydis, M.D, is the co-founder of Northern Illinois Vein Clinic (NIVC) in Rockford, Illinois, and the founder of Gilvydis Vein Clinic (GVC) in Naperville, Sycamore, and Geneva, Illinois. A board-certified interventionalist and diplomate of the American Board of Venous & Lymphatic Medicine, Dr. Gilvydis has been treating varicose veins with minimally invasive techniques since they were first introduced.
Genetics plays a crucial role in vein health, with family history being the most significant predictor of varicose veins. If your parents or siblings have experienced vein issues, you’re significantly more likely to develop similar conditions.
Questions About Untreated Varicose Veins
Can varicose veins go away on their own without treatment?
No. Varicose veins are caused by permanently damaged vein valves that cannot repair themselves. While compression stockings, exercise, and other lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms, they do not eliminate existing varicose veins or restore normal valve function.
How quickly do untreated varicose veins get worse?
The timeline varies from person to person. Some people notice gradual worsening over several years, while others develop swelling, skin changes, or ulcers much sooner. Factors such as age, pregnancy, family history, obesity, and prolonged standing can speed progression.
Are varicose veins dangerous or just cosmetic?
They often begin as a cosmetic concern, but untreated varicose veins can become a medical condition. As vein disease progresses, it may lead to skin damage, painful ulcers, phlebitis, and an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis.
What happens if a varicose vein bursts or bleeds?
Burst varicose veins can produce significant bleeding because of the built-up pressure inside the damaged vein. Apply firm pressure to the area, elevate your leg above your heart, and contact your doctor immediately. Recurrent bleeding is a sign that the vein should be evaluated and treated.
Can I develop a blood clot from varicose veins?
Yes. People with varicose veins have a higher risk of developing deep vein thrombosis than those without vein disease. If you experience sudden calf pain, swelling, redness, or warmth in one leg, seek an emergency medical evaluation.