Nearly half of the U.S. population suffers from venous disease; an improper functioning of the vein valves in the leg. This disease can lead to painful, swollen, bulging, ropy varicose veins and skin changes if left untreated. Veins in this weakened condition are more prone to bleeding if they experience even minimal trauma, like brushing up against something with a sharp edge, or scrubbing too hard in the shower.
What happens when a varicose vein starts bleeding?
Bleeding varicose veins can be alarming. Often, veins burst due to excess pressure, so the bleeding can be rapid and profuse. Here are two ways bleeding can occur:
- Internal
If a varicose vein ruptures, but the skin is not broken, you will experience bruising. Internal bleeding from any source can cause dizziness or fainting if enough blood is lost. If you have any of these symptoms, visit your vein care specialist or nearest emergency room to avoid too much blood loss or complications. - External
If a varicose vein ruptures and the skin is broken, you will experience significant bleeding. Apply immediate pressure to the area with a towel or cotton t-shirt, and elevate your legs above your heart. This will help slow or stop the bleeding while you seek medical attention. To avoid excessive blood loss, visit your vein care specialist or the nearest emergency room as soon as possible.
What are the treatment options for varicose veins?
Today’s vein treatments are minimally invasive and require very little recovery time. Here are two of the most common treatments:
- Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure that eliminates varicose veins by injecting an FDA-approved medication (developed specifically to treat varicose and spider veins) directly into the vein. The medication irritates the lining of the blood vessel, causing it to collapse and become virtually unnoticeable. - Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA)
EVLA treats the main cause of varicose veins—damaged or weakened vein valves—by heating the vein with a laser. This laser destroys the walls of the vein, the body naturally absorbs the dead tissue, and the varicose veins disappear over time. EVLA is a minimally invasive, office-based procedure, so it does not require a hospital stay or anesthesia. This treatment does not require fasting, so you may eat and take medications as needed on the day of the treatment and resume most regular activity without any downtime.
For safe, effective, minimally invasive varicose vein treatment near you, contact Carolina Vein Specialists at 336-218-8346.