What You Need to Know About a Ruptured Varicose Vein

Varicose veins are those enlarged, swollen veins that you often see on the legs, usually looking blue or purple and bulging just under the skin. They are a common manifestation of chronic venous disease, affecting over 30% of the population in Western countries. In America, chronic venous disease impacts over 11 million men and 22 million women aged 40–80 years old, as per Oxford University.

Varicose veins develop because the valves inside the veins become weak or damaged. When a varicose vein ruptures, it means that the vein has burst, allowing blood to leak either into the surrounding tissue or, if the skin is broken, outside the body.

The impact of a ruptured varicose vein can vary. A minor rupture might just cause some light bruising or swelling, but a larger rupture can lead to significant blood loss and may require immediate medical attention. If left untreated, complications like infections could develop.

Several factors can weaken varicose veins over time, making them more likely to rupture. The walls of the veins may thin out due to ongoing pressure and poor blood circulation. This weakening raises the risk of the vein bursting.

Common causes of a ruptured varicose vein include trauma or injury to the area, standing or sitting for long periods, and increased pressure on the veins, such as from heavy lifting or pregnancy. Sometimes, veins can rupture without an obvious reason, especially if they've already become fragile.

The severity of a rupture can vary. A minor rupture might only cause some bruising or discomfort, but a more serious one can lead to significant blood loss, particularly if it happens near the surface of the skin. In those cases, immediate medical attention is crucial to prevent further issues.

When a varicose vein ruptures, the symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the rupture. Some common symptoms include:

• Sudden bleeding: If the rupture occurs near the surface of the skin, you may notice sudden bleeding from the affected vein. This can happen spontaneously or after minor trauma.
• Bruising or discoloration: The area around the ruptured vein may become bruised, with the skin turning dark blue or purple due to blood pooling under the skin.
• Swelling: The affected leg or area around the rupture may swell as blood leaks from the vein into the surrounding tissues.
• Pain or discomfort: Some people experience pain or a burning sensation around the ruptured area. This can range from mild discomfort to more severe pain, especially if there is significant swelling.
• Visible bulging vein: The varicose vein may appear more prominent and swollen after rupturing.

These symptoms may vary in intensity, and in more severe cases, there can be heavy bleeding that requires urgent care.

Treating a ruptured varicose vein involves several steps to stop the bleeding and manage any symptoms:

• Apply direct pressure: If there is external bleeding, applying direct pressure with a clean cloth or bandage can help stop the bleeding. Elevating the affected leg above the heart level can reduce blood flow to the area and aid in controlling the bleeding.
• Clean the wound: If the rupture has caused an open wound, it’s important to clean the area gently to prevent infection. Using mild soap and water can help reduce the risk of bacteria entering the wound.
• Seek medical attention: For more severe ruptures, or if bleeding doesn’t stop after applying pressure, it’s important to seek medical attention. A doctor may need to close the wound, stop internal bleeding, or provide further treatment to prevent recurrence.
• Address underlying varicose veins: In some cases, treatment for the underlying varicose veins is necessary to prevent further ruptures. This may include wearing compression stockings, elevating the legs, or seeking advice from a healthcare provider about procedures that can reduce varicose veins.

Preventing future ruptures is often part of long-term management, and this may involve lifestyle changes or medical interventions to reduce the pressure on veins.