Individuals who suffer from varicose veins are often used to experiencing the discomfort, itching, heaviness, and swelling that can occur as a result. However, one less common symptom of varicose veins is bleeding, which can occur spontaneously due to the veins’ weakened efficiency and structure. If you have varicose veins, make sure you understand why this can occur and what to do if you experience this issue.
Why Varicose Veins May Bleed
Varicose veins are swollen veins that often occur in the legs, and because they’re larger than capillaries, they can carry a lot of blood. These veins are less efficient at pumping blood back upward to the heart, meaning that blood can pool in the legs as a result. This causes pressure on the already-weakened walls of the veins, making them prone to damage.
Due to a small bump or scratch, or even for no reason at all, varicose veins can suddenly burst from the pressure of pent-up blood, leading to sudden bleeding.
Symptoms to Watch For
Burst varicose veins often happen suddenly and seemingly out of nowhere, which means it’s important to know what to look for ahead of time. The bleeding can happen internally, where the blood goes into the tissue surrounding the vein, or externally, where the skin is broken as well and bleeding occurs as it would with a cut.
Internal bleeding is associated with bruising and discoloration. External bleeding can be associated with significant blood loss, as these veins are under high pressure. This experience may be disconcerting, especially if you’re in public, so it’s good to know how to respond.
What to Do If You Have a Bleeding Varicose Vein
When varicose veins burst, there can be a lot of bleeding, but bleeding from veins can often be resolved with pressure and leg elevation. If the bleeding is external, apply firm pressure at the exact site of bleeding, and sit or lay down to put the blood higher relative to the heart. Hold pressure for 10 minutes without checking on the site. If this does not resolve the bleeding continue to hold pressure and seek further medical attention.
Bleeding varicose veins can be a serious health issue, especially for older patients, pregnant women, or individuals on blood thinner medication. Because of this, it’s best to contact our office for an appointment, even if you were able to get the bleeding to resolve.
Preventative Tips
Burst varicose veins are an unpleasant experience that most people would prefer to avoid if at all possible. Fortunately, working with a qualified medical professional can significantly decrease your risk, as well as reduce the pain, inflammation, and discomfort associated with varicose veins. Heart of Dixie Vein and Vascular Center has a team of vascular health professionals that can offer a variety of minimally-invasive treatments and procedures to give you relief.
Southern Utah Vein and Vascular Care
If you’re experiencing any kind of discomfort or discoloration from varicose veins, Heart of Dixie Vein and Vascular Center can help. Our team of medical professionals is highly skilled in identifying and treating vein issues, and is able to offer compassionate, effective care to patients throughout southern Utah and Nevada. Contact us today to see how we can help you find relief.
