Varicose veins can sometimes rupture when increased pressure weakens the vein walls or the surrounding skin becomes fragile. A burst varicose vein may cause bleeding beneath the skin or through the skin’s surface, sometimes following a minor injury. In some cases, a vein can rupture without an obvious injury.
According to the Journal of Vascular Surgery, some studies have reported bleeding from varicose veins in approximately 3% to 9% of patients, although estimates vary. While a ruptured varicose vein may cause only bruising, external bleeding can be serious and requires immediate attention.
Understanding whether varicose veins can burst, what causes them to rupture, and how to stop the bleeding can help you respond quickly and reduce the risk of future complications.
Learn more about burst varicose veins from our video here.
What to Do If a Varicose Vein Bursts
If a varicose vein bursts and bleeds externally, patients should seek immediate care. They can take the following steps until they get help from a medical professional:
- Apply direct pressure: Use a clean cloth or sterile gauze to apply firm pressure on the affected area to control bleeding.
- Hold pressure for at least 10 minutes: Keep firm pressure on the area for at least 5-10 minutes or until bleeding slows. Removing pressure too early can restart the bleeding.
- Elevate your leg: Raise your leg above heart level to help reduce blood flow and minimize bleeding.
- Get medical attention: A ruptured vein requires a medical evaluation, even if the bleeding stops.
A burst varicose vein that bleeds internally may not be as serious as it would be externally, but a medical professional should still look at it. USA Vein Clinics offers various treatments for varicose veins that can help identify what caused the varicose vein to burst, manage symptoms, improve circulation, and reduce the likelihood of future ruptures.
Can Varicose Veins Burst Without an Injury?
Yes, varicose veins can burst without an obvious injury, although this is uncommon. Increased pressure inside weakened veins, combined with thinning or fragile skin, can lead to a spontaneous rupture. When a varicose vein bursts, blood may collect beneath the skin or escape through an opening in the skin. External bleeding can be severe and requires prompt medical attention.
What Causes a Burst Varicose Vein?
A burst varicose vein is typically caused by increased pressure in the veins or weakened vein walls. Certain conditions or events can cause a ruptured vein, such as injury or poor circulation.
Vein Disease
Vein disease, also known as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), can cause the vein valves to weaken, allowing blood to pool in the veins instead of flowing back to the heart efficiently. Over time, the vein stretches, leading to the appearance of varicose veins and spider veins, which can be vulnerable to rupturing.
Inadequate Blood Flow
When blood flow in the veins is restricted or inefficient, pressure builds up, causing veins to swell and stretch. Over time, increased pressure weakens vein walls, making them more vulnerable to rupture. Prolonged sitting or standing, pregnancy, or obesity can cause worsening symptoms.
Trauma or Injury to the Leg
Any impact or injury to varicose veins in the lower extremities, such as a fall or bumping your leg, can lead to rupture. Even minor trauma can cause a fragile vein to rupture if it is already overstretched or weakened. It will most likely show on the skin as a bruise.
Skin Ulcers & Infections
Venous ulcers are open, slow- or non-healing sores on the leg caused by vein disease. Because they are open sores, the risk of infection increases, especially if the wound isn’t properly tended to. The chances of bleeding from a venous ulcer are rare; however, some research suggests that it’s possible for a varicose vein near or within the ulcer to rupture as the ulcer grows.
Individuals who are overweight or struggling with chronic venous insufficiency are most at risk of experiencing increased pressure in the veins or weakened vein walls. However, these complications can also be caused by aging, genetics, or strenuous workouts. Early detection and treatment can help you identify possible risks and take steps to prevent complications.
Learn About Risk Factors for Varicose Veins
Signs & Symptoms of a Ruptured Varicose Vein
A ruptured varicose vein can cause internal or external bleeding, with symptoms depending on where the rupture occurs. When bleeding happens beneath the skin, blood may collect in the surrounding tissue and form a hematoma. This may appear as bruising, swelling, or a tender lump, although discoloration can be harder to recognize on darker skin.
If external bleeding is significant, symptoms of blood loss may include:
- Numbness
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Fainting
While a ruptured vein is an emergency, ongoing aching or throbbing that becomes more noticeable after lying down can also signal an underlying circulation problem. Learn more about leg pain at night, what may cause it, and when nighttime symptoms should be evaluated by a vein specialist.
External bleeding occurs when a varicose vein ruptures through the skin, sometimes after a minor scrape or injury. Because pressure in the affected veins is elevated, bleeding can be substantial. A ruptured varicose vein requires prompt medical evaluation, even if the bleeding stops, because another bleeding episode may occur.
Treatment Options to Avoid Burst Veins
It’s recommended that varicose veins be treated as soon as possible to avoid complications and prevent them from rupturing. USA Vein Clinics specializes in non-surgical, outpatient vein treatments that can help alleviate painful symptoms with minimal risks. After a vein screening, a specialist may recommend one of the following treatments:
- Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT): A laser-based treatment that closes off damaged veins, improving circulation to minimize pain associated with severe varicose veins.
- ClariVein®: A non-thermal treatment that uses a rotating catheter to deliver medication directly into the vein and seal it off.
- Varithena: A foam injection treatment used on twisted or hard-to-treat varicose veins to help reroute blood flow to healthier veins.
- Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy (UGSC): Ultrasound-guided Sclerotherapy (UGSC) uses ultrasound on superficial or spider veins to seal the vein with a solution injection.
- Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): Heat energy is used to seal off damaged veins; it’s best for larger varicose veins that need stronger closure techniques.
- VenaSeal™: A medical-grade adhesive that seals diseased veins shut, allowing blood to flow through healthier veins.
- Visual sclerotherapy: A simple injection designed to close weak veins, improving appearance and blood circulation.
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Take Control of Your Vein Health at USA Vein Clinics
Get the vein care and symptom relief you need with a tailored treatment plan at USA Vein Clinics. Our nationwide network of vein treatment centers offers access to expert vein specialists ready to help you. We accept most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid.
Schedule an appointment online or call 888.768.3467 to connect with a Care Team member.
