Q9. Are there long term problems with varicose veins?

A9. Most varicose veins sufferers do not develop any complications but there some people who are unlucky enough to do so.

The other thing is that varicose veins cannot be cured and in some cases will worsen over time.

The main long term problems are bleeding, deep vein thrombosis, varicose eczema and venous ulcers.

Visit your GP if you develop any of these.

For more information visit our complications of varicose veins section.

FAQS Index:

Varicose veins FAQs

• Q1. What are varicose veins?
• Q2. Do varicose veins only develop in your legs?
• Q3. Who is most likely to get varicose veins
• Q4. Why do women get varicose veins more than men?
• Q5. What causes varicose veins?
• Q6. What are the symptoms of varicose veins?
• Q7. How are varicose veins diagnosed?
• Q8. What is the treatment for varicose veins?
• Q9. Are there long term problems with varicose veins?
• Q10. How do you prevent varicose veins?

• Q11. Can you inherit varicose veins?
• Q12. How do compression stockings work?
• Q13. What is endovenous laser ablation?
• Q14. What is sclerotherapy?
• Q15. Does sitting with your legs crossed cause varicose veins?
• Q16. What is deep vein thrombosis?
• Q17. Does travelling cause deep vein thrombosis?
• Q18. Can you prevent deep vein thrombosis?
• Q19. How do you treat deep vein thrombosis?
• Q20. Are varicose veins the same as thread veins?

Guide to Varicose Veins

• Guide to Varicose Veins
• Your leg veins
• Varicose veins
• Causes of varicose veins
• Symptoms of varicose veins
• Diagnosing varicose veins
• Treating varicose veins
• Non-surgical treatment for varicose veins
• Coil embolisation
• Sclerotherapy
• Foam sclerotherapy
• Ultrasound guided sclerotherapy
• Lifestyle changes
• Compression stockings

• Surgical treatment for varicose veins
• Vein ligation and stripping
• Endoscopic perforator vein surgery
• Latest treatments
• Ambulatory phlebectomy
• Endovenous laser treatment
• Radiofrequency ablation
• Transilluminated powered phlebectomy
• Complications of varicose veins
• Preventing varicose veins
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Varicose veins FAQs
• Glossary