Pretty much everyone has had veins break or burst at some point in time, usually as a result of a bruise that occurs from a direct injury. But sometimes, a vein will burst on its own, often causing a stinging or “snapping” sensation under the skin. While burst veins aren’t uncommon, that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be taken seriously, And when they happen on a regular basis, it could be a sign of a more serious underlying condition that needs expert medical treatment.
Chronic burst veins usually are an indication that your veins are weak or that pressure is building up behind the veins, causing them eventually to give way. Some of the most common causes of burst veins include:
CVI is a type of leg vein disease that occurs when the veins inside your legs and ankles no longer function normally. As a result, your vein walls can weaken, resulting in vein breakage and other symptoms, like swelling, heaviness or fatigue in your legs, pain, itching and varicose vein formation.
While varicose veins are a common symptom of CVI, they can also occur on their own, even if you don’t have chronic venous insufficiency. Varicose veins occur when the tiny valves inside your veins stop working properly, allowing blood to collect inside your veins. The increased pressure causes veins to weaken, making them more prone to breakage. Sometimes, the tiny vessels called capillaries will burst, forming a network of spider veins or be causing a reddish or brownish tone in your skin. Without treatment, sores may eventually develop as the skin over these weakened veins becomes damaged and deprived of nutrients.
Blood clots including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can cause an increase in pressure inside your veins. As pressure mounts, the veins and the tiny valves inside them can weaken, eventually breaking. Clots can be especially dangerous since they may eventually break off and travel to your lungs, brain or heart, causing a stroke, a heart attack or even death.
Some blood disorders can cause burst veins, including diseases that interfere with clotting or normal protein formation in your blood. Other times, you may have a vitamin deficiency that causes your veins to weaken. Simple blood tests can check for many of these blood-related disorders so the most appropriate treatment can be provided.
Burst blood vessels may be nothing to worry about, but if they happen routinely, it could be your body’s way of letting you know something’s not right. Having a vein health evaluation is the best way to know what’s causing your vessels to burst, and it’s also the best way to learn about vein treatment options that can help keep your veins healthy and prevent serious circulation problems from developing. If your veins burst easily or if you have other symptoms of leg vein disease like swelling, pain or varicose veins, call Bellamah Vein Center at (406) 203-1866 and schedule a vein health evaluation today.
