Veins can burst for many reasons, but this usually occurs when a varicose vein is injured. Varicose veins are blue, ropy, bulging veins commonly found in the legs and feet. If the skin is not broken at the time of the trauma, there will be some bruising. If the skin is broken, however, there can be blood loss. 

Common causes of a burst vein in leg

Occasionally varicose veins close to the skin’s surface may burst and cause minor to severe bleeding. Any bleeding as a result of a burst vein in the leg requires medical attention. Here are the common pressure inducers that may lead to a burst vein in the leg:

• Weakened or Damaged Valves
  There are tiny valves inside your veins that open and close to support blood flow toward your heart. If these valves become weak or damaged, blood can flow backward and pool inside the vein. 
• Pregnancy
  During pregnancy women have a higher volume of blood in their body. While this change is essential to support the growing fetus, it can lead to increased pressure on the inferior vena cava (a large vein that carries blood back to the heart). 
• Obesity
  Excess weight puts added pressure on your veins.
• Inactivity
  If you’re standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time throughout the day, your blood doesn’t flow as well.

Treatments for a burst vein in the leg

If bleeding is severe, wrap your leg and go to your nearest emergency room. If you have a burst vein in the leg with mild to moderate bleeding, you may be able to stop the bleeding with these at-home tips:

• Elevate your leg above your heart to slow the bleeding.
• Apply gentle, consistent pressure over the vein.
• Once bleeding is under control, wrap the vein with a bandage.

If you have painful varicose veins and want to avoid the risk of a burst vein in the leg, these medical treatments may help:

• Sclerotherapy
• ClariVein^®
• VenaSeal™
• Endovenous laser thermal ablation (EVLT/EVLA)

Before starting this or any treatment, seek a consultation from an accredited vein specialist near you. Most medically necessary vein procedures are covered (at least in part) by insurance. If your insurer doesn’t cover your medical needs, ask the front office about alternative payment options. Additionally, some insurers may ask you to meet a set of requirements before you’re treated (like wearing compression hose for up to three months), which can delay treatment. Don’t wait to see a vein specialist, get help as soon as you’re able. Some offices even offer free consultations to qualifying patients.

At Carolina Vein Specialists, you’ll find experienced and credentialed vein care specialists ready to help restore your legs. Here, painful vein stripping is a thing of the past as we focus on minimally invasive techniques performed in-office without sedation. These innovative techniques require little to no downtime, which means you’ll return to daily activities in no time at all.

Call 336-218-8346 for skilled Greensboro, NC vein treatment.