Are varicose veins dangerous?

Varicose veins are generally NOT dangerous, but there are exceptions: Thrombophlebitis: (Seek medical advice) This is inflammation and clotting within a surface (superficial) vein. A superficial clot, which extends into a deep vein and continues to develop, is potentially dangerous. If you develop a thrombophlebitis you should seek medical attention. A doctor needs to assess the extent and may request a scan. The doctor will advise on treatment. Wearing a compression stocking gives a lot of comfort. The path of the vein will be visibly red, hot, hard and very painful. This pain usually persists for about a week, but the hardness (the clot) will last for weeks or months until the body reabsorbs it, just as it would any "bruise" or collection. Often a scan of the deep veins is done to exclude a similar problem there. (DVT) Injury and Bleeding: (Seek medical advice) If varicose veins are very prominent they may be prone to injury (bad bruising or even bleeding). Even small veins can ...  more