Can varicose vein burst? Varicose vein burst never heard of it, but bleeding may be small amounts on irregular occasions or it may be life-threatening with blood squeezing many feet across the room.
Located very near the surface of the skin, varicose veins may break not burst and bleed due to a very minor injury to the skin. Often, the veins which bleed naturally are small veins near the ankle and they do not necessarily cause pain or tenderness. Venous pressures inside some varicose veins near the ankle or foot can be nearly as high as arterial blood pressure because of gravity and failure of valves in veins at multiple levels in the legs.
The very high pressures within the veins may stretch the walls of the veins causing weakness over time. The vein may break very suddenly causing bleeding into the tissues or through the surface of the skin if the skin has become thin overlying the vein.
Emergency treatment for bleeding from a varicose vein is:
- Elevating the leg higher than the heart.
- Apply pressure over the bleeding site.
This may be done initially with a finger to control the bleeding followed by a pressure dressing. A folded gauze sponge or a cloth applied over the site with pressure from compression hose or an elastic wrap usually work well to prevent repeat bleeding for the short term.
Ultrasound guided sclerotherapy has proven to be one of the best treatments to prevent repeat bleeding episodes. Complete evaluation of the veins of the lower extremity is important to find the underlying causes of the problem for ultimate treatment.
Varicose veins can cause complications because they stop your blood flowing properly.
Most people who have varicose veins won’t develop complications. If they do, it is usually several years after varicose veins first appear.
Some possible complications of varicose veins are explained below.
Bleeding
Varicose veins near the surface of your skin can sometimes bleed if you cut or bump your leg. The bleeding may be difficult to stop.
You should lie down, raise your leg and apply direct pressure to the wound. Seek immediate medical advice if this does not stop the bleeding.
Blood clots
If blood clots form in veins located just under the surface of your skin (superficial veins), it could lead to conditions such as:
- Swelling (inflammation) of the veins in your leg
- Deep vein thrombosis which can cause pain and swelling in the leg and may lead to serious complications.