Not everyone who has these conditions will have bulging veins, but varicose veins often look like they’re popping out of your skin. Bulging veins might seem alarming, but they’re mostly harmless. They may cause your legs to feel heavy or achy, and in some cases can lead to complications like blood clots or chronic swelling.
Continue reading to learn more about bulging veins, including causes, prevention, how to treat varicose veins and more.
Symptoms of Bulging Veins
Having veins that bulge out above the surface of the rest of your skin is one symptom of varicose veins. Bulging veins are most often seen on the backs of the legs, particularly at the knees and below. They look like swollen cords, and have have a blue, purple color.
While bulging veins might be the most noticeable symptom, people with varicose veins usually have other symptoms first, including:
Skin color changes, especially areas of blue, red, or pinkTightness, soreness, heaviness, burning, or aching in the legsItching on the legsRash on the legsSores or swelling on the legs
Over time, the same underlying abnormality that can lead to bulging veins may also lead to swelling in the legs. If you begin having swelling, talk to your healthcare provider.
Causes of Bulging Veins
Bulging veins and other types of varicose veins are caused when the valves in the underlying veins are not working.
When you stand, the blood can flow toward your feet (it should go toward your heart) and because of gravity, the veins can dilate. This can cause the veins near your skin to enlarge, and therefore you develop the bulging varicose veins.
Although this sounds startling, it’s very common. By the age of 50, about 40% of females and 20% of males will have varicose veins.
How to Treat Bulging Veins
Bulging veins don’t always need treatment. However, there are treatment options available that can help reduce symptoms, improve the appearance of your veins, and prevent complications like ulcers or swelling. You should work with your healthcare provider to determine what treatment, if any, is right for you.
Lifestyle Adaptations
Certain lifestyle changes or adjustments can help prevent and alleviate varicose veins. These include:
Maintaining a healthy weight: Having a higher body weight puts you at increased risk for varicose veins. Staying active: Getting regular exercise and avoiding long periods of sitting or standing can keep your veins healthy. Elevating your feet: When possible, elevate the feet above the heart. If you have severe bulging veins, do this for 15 minutes three or four times a day. Wearing compression stockings: Compression stockings provide pressure to the legs, which keeps blood from pooling. These are a particularly good option for pregnant people who have temporary varicose veins.
Medical Procedures for Varicose Veins
If your veins bother you or pose a health risk, you healthcare provider might suggest medical procedures including:
Sclerotherapy: During this nonsurgical procedure your healthcare provider will inject a sclerosing (scarring) agent into your veins. After that, the veins will no longer carry blood, so it can’t pool. Other veins in your leg will compensate for the veins that aren’t in use any more. This is the most common treatment for varicose and spider veins. Thermal ablation: This procedure uses heat generated by a coil and laser to close off the veins with the leaky valves. Vein stripping: This is surgery to remove the bulging veins entirely. Microphlebectomy: This is a procedure in which veins are removed through small incisions. This can be done with vein stripping or alone.
Complications and Risk Factors Associated With Bulging Veins
In most cases, bulging veins are harmless. Still, there are some complications that you should be aware of:
Bleeding: If you notice bleeding from varicose veins, place pressure on the bleeding area. If it does not stop promptly, call 911. Ulcers: Ulcers are sores that take more than two weeks to heal. Venous insufficiency may raise your risk of ulcers, which could put you at increased risk for infection. If you have an ulcer, talk with your healthcare provider. Swelling: Swelling can be uncomfortable. If you start experiencing leg swelling, see a healthcare provider.
Diagnosis
Healthcare providers diagnose bulging veins or varicose veins through a physical exam. Be sure to let them know about any symptoms you’re experiencing, including swelling, heaviness or sores.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Although most people don’t have complications from bulging veins, some people find them unsightly. If you’re self-conscious about your bulging veins, talk to your healthcare provider about treatment options that might reduce the appearance of the veins.
In addition, see your provider if you have alarming symptoms or changes to your symptoms, including:
BleedingChest tightnessTrouble breathingLight-headednessWounds or sores that are slow to heal
Summary
Bulging veins are a sign of varicose veins. They occur when blood pools in the veins of the leg. In most cases, varicose veins are not concerning. However, they can cause aches, itching and soreness. In addition, some people find them unpleasant to look at. Treatments, including lifestyle changes and medical procedures, can help you avoid bulging veins and minimize the symptoms when they do occur.
A Word From Verywell
Varicose veins are very common. While they may be uncomfortable there are many treatment options. If yours bother you physically or emotionally talk with your healthcare provider.
