What Causes Varicose Veins?
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
5. Complications
Varicose veins rarely complicate, although painful ulcers may form on the skin in areas affected and more so near the ankles. Before the ulcer forms, a discolored spot occurs on the skin. In the occasion that veins deep within the legs enlarge, the affected leg swells and becomes painful, which may be an indication of the presence of a blood clot or thrombophlebitis.
Bleeding may also occur as a result of the veins closest to the skin bursting. The exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products in the lungs may be affected mainly because of the weak blood flow. This leads to chronic venous insufficiency, and though not caused by the varicose veins directly, the two have a close connection.
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