Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesTreatmentComplicationsDiagnosisWhen to See a Healthcare ProviderFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Treatment
Complications
Diagnosis
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Frequently Asked Questions
If you notice bulging veins, especially on your legs, you probably have varicose veins.Varicose veinsare twisted, enlarged veins near the surface of the skin. Spider veins are more subtle varicose veins that resemble a spider’s webs.
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.
Photographer, Basak Gurbuz Derman / Getty Images
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 othersymptomsfirst, including:
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.
Varicose Vein Pain: What It Feels Like and How to Find Relief
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:
Medical Procedures for Varicose Veins
If your veins bother you or pose a health risk, you healthcare provider might suggest medical procedures including:
Varicose veins can reappear after treatment. Some preventive measures like exercising and maintaining a healthy weight may help, but oftentimes the reappearance is linked to genetics.
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:
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.
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:
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.
In most cases, bulging veins aren’t dangerous. However, in severe cases they can put you at increased risk for clots, bleeding, swelling and ulcers. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risk.
If you have any persistent swelling, pain, bleeding, trouble breathing, or chest pain, call 911 immediately. For milder symptoms that are worrisome for you, like aches or itching, speak with your healthcare provider.
4 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Heart Lung and Blood Institute.Varicose veins.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Varicose veins.MedlinePlus.Varicose veins.National Institutes of Health.Varicose veins.
4 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Heart Lung and Blood Institute.Varicose veins.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Varicose veins.MedlinePlus.Varicose veins.National Institutes of Health.Varicose veins.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute.Varicose veins.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Varicose veins.MedlinePlus.Varicose veins.National Institutes of Health.Varicose veins.
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute.Varicose veins.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Varicose veins.
MedlinePlus.Varicose veins.
National Institutes of Health.Varicose veins.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
