Varicose veins deteriorate and get worse if they are ignored and neglected. Treatment at an early stage can prevent complications such as leg ulcers and deep vein thrombosis – DVT.
A question I get asked a lot is “if I have nothing done now, will my veins get worse?” It’s a good question and here’s what the evidence suggests.
Although varicose veins and leg vein problems are one of the commonest diseases that doctors see, there is surprisingly little information about the progression of vein problems from mild to severe and then on to serious complications. However all the evidence suggests that yes, vein problems do get worse and that early treatment does prevent complications.
Nearly 10 years ago, a study from the USA by respected phlebologist Nick Labropoulos investigated 116 legs in 190 patients who were waiting for varicose vein surgery. These patients had a second duplex ultrasound scan between 1 and 43 months after the initial examination with a median of 19 months. In this period of time, 11.2% had progression of clinical stage and seven had progression on duplex ultrasound scanning as well. That means that more than one in 10 people even after a relatively short period either had veins that looked worse, or caused more symptoms or which looked worse on a scan.
So the answer is “yes, with time, your veins will probably get worse.”
Now, if you’re worried about your veins and would like a confidential chat please do get in touch. Our advisors are very happy to offer simple advice by telephone or email for free and without obligation. You can call and book an appointment direct without a referral from your GP on 01935 873951.
The VeinCare Centre also offers a screening assessment with our vascular technologist. For £25 you can have a scan with Wendy Parsons. She is not a doctor and so she cannot give you medical advice but she can check your deep veins and your varicose veins and give you an idea of how bad they are. If you would like to have an appointment with Wendy please call 01935 873 951