Are there any bluish-purple things bulging out on your legs? Well, those can be varicose veins. Bulging veins can be very prominent and enlarged veins that will appear blue or purple. This phenomenon is very easy to identify because it happens close to the surface of one’s skin and typically occurs in the areas of your legs, ankles, hands, or even feet. Most of the time, bulging veins do not cause much harm, but sometimes they can lead to serious problems. Hence, it is very important to know why veins bulge.
When someone notices bulging veins, they might think about what they mean and want to know if they could cause a serious problem. Even though many people do not like how they look, which is the only reason they get it treated, they can be a sign of serious medical issues that can lead to complications.
Causes:
Varicose veins are one of the most common conditions that lead to bulging veins. This condition is common in 1 in every three adults. Varicose veins occur when the superficial veins, i.e., the ones just beneath your skin, weaken.
The causes of varicose veins may include:
- Hormonal changes, especially ones during pregnancy.
- Inheritance and family history of varicose veins.
- Being overweight and suffering from obesity.
- Smoking harms the lining of your veins.
- Standing and sitting for extended periods.
- More common in women than in men.
Other than varicose veins, other reasons may lead to veins bulging. These include:
Strenuous Exercise: Exercising a lot, especially lifting weights, can lead to your veins in the hands and arms bulging. Exercise increases blood flow and builds muscles, and as the muscles get bigger, the superficial veins become more visible.
Intake of a Low-calorie Diet: As the body fat percentage in your body becomes lower, the veins in your hands, arms, and legs become more prominent.
Underlying Medical Problems: Like vasculitis or chronic venous insufficiency, can be one of the reasons that your veins bulge.
Getting Older: Aging makes the skin thinner and less elastic and also increases the chances of getting varicose veins. These outcomes of aging make it easier for you to see the veins through your skin.
Prevention
Bulging veins cannot be completely prevented. You can keep your veins as healthy as you can by; Staying as active as you can, walking around, flexing your ankles, and stretching are important. It keeps the right amount of blood flowing in your veins.
Quit Smoking: Smoking damages the veins and slows down blood flow.
Lose Weight: Shedding the extra pounds can lower the blood pressure inside the veins, reducing the risk of venous disease.
Treatment of Bulging Veins
Compression Stockings: These help to stop the backward flow of blood.
Elevation: Lifting your legs a few times a day can help to soothe the bulging veins and calm the discomforts.
Bulging veins cannot be cured completely, but these treatments ease the discomfort and make the veins a little less visible. If the condition worsens, it is important to get them checked to ensure that nothing serious is happening. Extreme conditions that may indicate a serious problem may include bleeding from bulging veins, discoloration, pain, warmth upon touch, swelling, etc.
