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What Happens if I Don’t Get Treatment for My Varicose Veins? 

What Happens if I Don’t Get Treatment for My Varicose Veins? 

Bulging, twisted veins on your legs might seem like just a cosmetic issue when you first notice them, but they’re actually signs of deeper circulation problems. Varicose veins develop when blood doesn’t flow properly through weakened valves, leading to increased pressure and discomfort over time. What starts as a minor annoyance can turn into a more serious concern if left untreated.

At Advanced Heart and Vascular Associates in Brooksville and Hudson, Florida, we offer expert vein care alongside comprehensive cardiac and vascular services. Our team, led by Nader Chadda, MD, FACC, FSCAI, uses today’s most effective treatments to relieve symptoms, restore proper blood flow, and prevent long-term complications. If you’ve been putting off vein care, here’s what you need to know about the risks of waiting — and how modern treatments can help.

Discomfort that creeps into daily life

Initially, varicose veins may cause nothing more than tired, achy legs by the end of the day. But as time passes, discomfort tends to build. You may start to notice burning, heaviness, or cramping that worsens when you’re on your feet for long stretches. These symptoms can interfere with your ability to move comfortably and stay active.

Swelling and visible skin changes

Over time, untreated varicose veins can cause fluid to collect in your lower legs. This often leads to ongoing swelling around the ankles and calves that doesn’t go away with elevation or rest. 

You may also notice changes in your skin’s texture and color, often becoming darker, drier, or more fragile. These are early signs of chronic venous inflammation and pressure beneath the surface.

Wounds that linger and resist healing

In more advanced stages, poor circulation can lead to open sores known as venous ulcers. These typically develop near the ankles and are slow to heal due to a lack of oxygen and nutrient-rich blood reaching the tissue. Without proper care, slow-healing wounds can grow and become infected, significantly impacting your quality of life.

Higher risk of clot formation

When blood isn’t flowing as it should, it can begin to pool and form clots. In some cases, this results in a condition called superficial thrombophlebitis, in which a clot forms in a vein just under the skin. 

In more serious cases, a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can develop. DVT is dangerous because the clot can break loose and travel to your lungs, causing a life-threatening pulmonary embolism.

Long-term pressure on deeper veins

Letting varicose veins progress can also damage your deeper veins over time, contributing to chronic venous insufficiency. This condition makes it harder for your veins to return blood to the heart, leading to more swelling, heaviness, and long-term leg fatigue. 

Early intervention means easier treatment

Today’s varicose vein treatments are safer, faster, and more effective than ever, with no hospital stay, no general anesthesia, and no lengthy recovery. Advanced Heart and Vascular Associates offers advanced procedures that close off damaged veins.

The sooner you address varicose veins, the simpler the solution. Minimally invasive treatments like ClosureFastTM, endovenous thermal ablation, and VenaSealTM can be done right in the office with minimal downtime. 

The Advanced Heart and Vascular Associates team tailors treatments to your specific needs to improve both symptoms and circulation, so you can get back to doing what you enjoy, without nagging leg pain.

Take action before varicose veins worsen

If your legs feel heavy, achy, or swollen, or if your veins are starting to change, now is the time to take action. Call or message us at Advanced Heart and Vascular Associates to schedule a personalized vein consultation.

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