When Varicose Veins Become a Medical Emergency
The offices of the Center for Vein Restoration remain open if you experience any of these medical emergencies due to your varicose veins.
If you’re one of the millions of people worldwide with uncomfortable, unsightly varicose veins, it’s possible that you’ve had to postpone, cancel, or put off treatment due to restrictions intended to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. Fortunately, it’s possible to temporarily relieve varicose vein pain at home.
However, there are some situations in which varicose veins demand immediate medical intervention — and, in these cases, you can still seek treatment at a Center for Vein Restoration location. Here’s how to tell if your varicose veins require emergency treatment.
When to Seek Emergency Care for Your Varicose Veins
Sometimes, varicose veins require immediate medical attention. If that occurs, you should reach out to your vein specialist to discuss your condition and determine whether or not you need emergency treatment.
Heavy Bleeding.
Varicose veins are vulnerable to sudden rupture and profuse bleeding. Because they’re not as strong and elastic as healthy veins, a puncture from a sharp object or even a light brush against a piece of furniture may cause fragile varicose veins to burst. If you have varicose veins and take blood thinners, you are doubly prone to dangerous bleeding.
If your varicose vein is bleeding, applying pressure to the wound may help stop it. If it doesn’t, you should seek emergency care. Note that varicose veins can also bleed internally. Although the skin isn’t scratched, you’ll notice bruising and may feel faint. In either case, contact your vein specialist or nearest ER for treatment. Just be sure to check with your hospital on their procedures regarding accepting non-coronavirus patients.
Skin Ulcers.
Slow-healing sores around varicose veins are common because weakened veins leaves the skin susceptible to breakage. Skin ulcers related to varicose veins typically exhibit yellow-colored tissue within a shallow, red-tinged circle. The sore will feel warm to the touch, as well. Cleaning and bandaging the ulcer usually heals the wound in a matter of days. However, if you notice a bad odor and pus seeping from the wound, you could have an infection that requires urgent medical care. Center for Vein Restoration can provide wound care in our centers.
Blood Clots.
A 2018 study concluded the presence of varicose veins increases the chance of suffering deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot that forms within a deep vein of the leg. Therefore, anyone with varicose veins must be on the alert for signs of a blood clot. Swelling, intense pain, tenderness, and warmth on the leg are characteristic of a blood clot that could become life-threatening if it travels to the lung and causes a pulmonary embolism (PE). To prevent DVT from advancing to a PE, seek medical advice and treatment as soon as possible.
We’re Here to Help
The physicians at the Center for Vein Restoration continue to provide necessary and urgent care to our patients during this difficult time. If you experience heavy bleeding, an infected wound, or a blood clot, please do not hesitate to contact us for immediate treatment. We’re also available for telemedicine appointments to answer any questions you have about your vein health. Contact us today for a virtual consultation.