Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins that mainly affect the areas just beneath the skin’s surface. They most often occur in the legs, but you can also notice them in your face, arms, and other areas of your body. 

Bruising associated with varicose veins is a common concern. Normal bruises usually heal in a few days. But if you bruise near a varicose vein, healing can take much longer.

As vein specialists in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin, area, we often get questions from our patients about the link between varicose veins and frequent bruising. In this article, we’ll discuss how bruising happens, some risk factors, ways to prevent it, and treatment options for varicose veins.

Bruising as a Result of Varicose Veins

Most of us experience bruising every once in a while. We all know how it happens: you bump against something or fall and, soon after, notice a purplish-bluish discoloration on the skin. This mark then constantly changes color until, one day, it fades away completely.

Bruising happens when one or more small blood vessels just under the skin break, but the skin stays intact, causing blood to pool until a clot forms to stop the bleeding. Usually, bruises are no cause for concern. 

Varicose veins, however, are more prone to bruising. Varicose veins have weakened valves, which makes them more vulnerable to breakage. This is why you might not experience any pain when the vein breaks, but still notice a large bruise the next day. 

This means bruising can become more frequent if you have varicose veins. However, there are risks associated with bruising if afflicted with varicose veins.

After bruising a varicose vein, the bulging vein may be unable to stop the bleeding immediately. This can cause internal bleeding, which can then lead to external bleeding. This is a severe complication that requires immediate medical intervention. 

Preventive Measures and Lifestyle Modifications

Preventing or reducing the severity of varicose veins and associated bruising often starts with simple lifestyle changes.

Regular exercise is key — it improves blood circulation in the legs and strengthens the muscles. Walking, swimming, and cycling are several of the many recommended exercises one can undertake to reduce the severity of varicose veins. Maintaining a healthy weight is also important since excess weight puts additional pressure on your veins, which can worsen varicose veins.

Another effective strategy to mitigating varicose vein stress is elevating your legs when resting, as this helps improve blood flow. Furthermore, one can try to avoid standing or sitting for long periods. If your job requires it, take short breaks to move around.

Wearing compression stockings can be helpful as well. They apply gentle pressure to your legs, aiding blood flow back to the heart.

Diet plays a role, too. Make a mental note to eat foods high in potassium, like almonds and pistachios. These foods can reduce water retention, easing pressure on the veins. Staying hydrated is essential; it prevents blood from thickening, reducing the risk of clots.

Lastly, avoid tight clothing around the waist or legs. Tight clothes can restrict blood flow, making vein problems worse. By incorporating these simple habits into your daily routine, you can significantly lower your risk of developing varicose veins and their related bruising.

Treatment Options for Varicose Veins 

When it comes to spider or varicose veins, the only way to truly get rid of them is through treatment. This, in turn, resolves the frequent bruising associated with varicose veins. 

Injection Sclerotherapy is a top choice for spider veins. It involves injecting a special medication into the vein. It’s straightforward, doesn’t cause considerable pain, and most people need just a few treatments to see results.

Laser Sclerotherapy is great for smaller veins, like those on the face or tiny red ones on the legs. It’s a quick treatment, taking about 20 minutes, and after 2 or 3 sessions, you’ll likely see a significant improvement. It’s also used to target areas that might not have completely cleared up with injection sclerotherapy.

For bigger veins or groups of spider veins, Surgical Micro-Phlebectomy can be a good option. It works well alongside the injection or laser treatments and helps to get a cleaner, more finished look.

Treating things like facial veins, cherry hemangiomas, and port wine stains is also possible. Laser treatment works well here, and some people get the results they want in just one session, though it typically takes 2 or 3 sessions to get the best effect.

If you have varicose veins that hurt, it might be a sign of a deeper issue with your veins. Talking to a specialist can help you understand what’s going on and what your treatment options are. And remember, some treatments might even be covered by insurance.

Conclusion

In summary, while bruising happens more frequently if you have varicose veins, most of the time, it’s not a cause for any concern other than an aesthetic one. 

But, if you want to get rid of those pesky spider or varicose veins, good treatment options are available. As vein specialists in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, we’re here to help. We understand that each case is unique and are ready to offer the right treatment for you.

If you have any questions or concerns, especially about varicose veins and what they might mean, please reach out to us. We’re here to make sure you get the care and information you need.