Developing varicose veins can lead to a range of issues. First, the new arrival of varicose veins means that sometimes your veins will protrude from the skin in ways you’re not quite used to. Occasionally, this leaves those veins susceptible to injury. 

If you bump or cut a varicose vein, it can begin to bleed and may not stop as quickly as a normal injury. To remedy this, simply lie down, elevate the injured leg, and apply direct pressure to the cut or scrape. If this does not stop the bleeding, seek immediate medical attention as you could be at risk of a more severe injury.

We’re vein specialists in the Milwaukee area, and over the course of our many combined years of experience, we’ve seen every kind of varicose vein injury imaginable. Here are some of the reasons why varicose veins bleed in the way they do, how to stop bleeding once it starts, and what can be done to prevent future injuries.

Why do varicose veins bleed so much?

Varicose veins are located near the surface of the skin. As a result, they are much more likely to be accidentally scraped or bumped — and when they are, they can begin to bleed significantly faster and more profusely than a typical cut.

The reason why varicose veins bleed so much comes down to pressure. Pressure inside of varicose veins near the ankle or foot increases due to both gravity and multiple valve failures throughout the legs. As a result, the blood pooling in varicose veins can see pressure nearly as strong as arterial pressure.

This has a few consequences. First, the constant pressure can cause the walls of each vein to stretch, which in turn causes the walls to become weaker. Additionally, the skin covering the vein may become thinner. These two factors work together to create a dangerous situation for your varicose veins — they’re more likely to be cut or bumped, and when they are, they’re more likely to bleed significantly.

How do I stop my varicose veins from bleeding?

If you’re looking for a quick solution to varicose vein injuries, the answer is simple. As previously mentioned, simply lie down, elevate your leg, apply pressure, and wait. Once the bleeding has stopped, you may want to consider applying a clean cloth to the wound and binding it with significant pressure, either using compression stockings or an elastic bandage. 

However, if the bleeding does not slow or stop, seek immediate medical attention. Additionally, if your blood is spurting out of your leg at a higher pressure than you might expect from a sizeable wound, find medical attention immediately.

How do I prevent future varicose vein injuries?

There are many things one can do to ensure their varicose veins remain uninjured.

The first step is simply being aware of your varicose veins. While this may sound simple, many don’t notice their varicose veins unless they are itching or looking unsightly — and as a result, they leave them unprotected.

If there are hard edges in your home around ankle height, consider covering them with padding or removing them entirely. Furthermore, consider wearing heavily padded socks or compression stockings — the latter will also allow for improved vein comfort.

While these tips may be helpful in the short term, most clients who come through our offices are looking for a long-term solution. The only way to permanently eliminate the risk of varicose vein injury is through professional treatment. 

Professional vein treatment is not what it used to be. Today, vein procedures are relatively painless and incredibly fast — most of our clients are able to return to work the same day.

If you are interested in receiving specialized vein treatment designed around your needs, reach out to us via our contact form or simply call our phone number. We would love to work with you to set up an appointment and say goodbye to your varicose veins for good.