Q & A with the Docs: Compression Stockings + Varicose Vein Squirting Blood
At Physicians Vein Clinics the following questions that Dr. Gavin answers this week are two of the most commonly asked questions we get here at our clinics.
Q: A vein on my foot started squirting blood in the shower. What should I do?
A: Varicose veins can bleed profusely due to the high pressure that results from vein disease. The best way to reduce the pressure (and therefore the rate of bleeding) is to elevate your leg to heart level. An easy way to accomplish this is to lie down on the floor. Hold constant pressure on the vein to stop the bleeding and call for help. Call 911 or have someone take you to the emergency department for bleeding that does not stop with these measures. Make an appointment with a vein specialist to discuss treatment options to reduce your risk for bleeding in the future.
Q: Can compression stockings help with leg pain?
A: Yes, compression garments can help with leg pain related to vein disease. The garments act by restricting the amount of stretch on unhealthy veins that are caused by blood pooling. When veins stretch or dilate due to valves that aren’t working properly, they release inflammatory mediators that cause symptoms such as pain, swelling, and restlessness. Additionally, blood clots can develop due to sluggish blood flow in these veins. Properly fitted, good-quality compression garments can reduce these symptoms and side effects of vein disease.
These questions were answered by our board-certified physician, Dr. Gavin, MD, MS, DABVLM. You can find Dr. Gavin in our Burnsville, MN; Woodbury, MN; Eagan, MN; and Plymouth, MN vein clinics.
Schedule a Consultation with Physicians Vein Clinics
We have 10 vein clinic locations across South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota. Our vein specialists are board-certified and highly skilled in treating spider veins, varicose veins and other vein-related symptoms. Schedule your consultation today to jump-start your vein treatment!