Varicose veins may lead to superficial vein thrombosis (superficial thrombophlebitis) that is usually benign. Varicose veins are not generally linked to deep vein thrombosis (DVT) since they occur in superficial veins. However, with severe varicose veins, there is a very small increased chance of developing DVT.
Deep Venous Thrombosis (painful swollen leg) requires immediate medical attention.