Risks and complications from varicose veins

It is very uncommon for health risks and complications to arise as a result of the development of varicose veins.

If and when complications do arise, they usually occur several years after the initial development of the varicose veins. The size of the varicose veins does not affect the chances of complications developing.

Possible complications from varicose veins include:

• Thrombophlebitis: Inflammation of the vein
• Swelling of the foot or lower leg
• Discolouration of skin
• Eczema
• Skin ulcers
• Lipodermatosclerosis: hardening of the fat layer under the skin
• Bleeding of the veins