Seeing bulging veins in your legs that are raised or rope-like by day’s end? You’re not alone. Most bulging veins are varicose veins, and they can cause discomfort such as heaviness, aching, swelling, and nighttime cramping. The good news is that bulging veins in the legs are also among the most treatable conditions.
Understanding what causes bulging veins and how they are evaluated is the first step toward relief. A simple duplex ultrasound can pinpoint the problem, and from there, we can walk through treatment options and help you decide when it makes sense to be seen for treatment.
What Causes Bulging Veins in the Legs?
Bulging veins in the legs, in most cases, occur when an individual suffers from varicose veins, which are normal veins on the legs that bulge due to the failure of the valve to shut properly. This leads to blood flowing back to the ankles, causing the veins to bulge. Symptoms of bulging veins include feeling heavy, itchy, swollen, and cramping, in addition to changes in the skin on the lower legs.
Common Risk Factors: genetics, age, pregnancy, prolonged standing or sitting, prior leg injury or clot, and weight changes.
Initial Diagnostic Testing for Bulging Leg Veins
The first test is a duplex ultrasound, which is a painless procedure that reveals blood flow and whether the valves are leaking. This test can also determine whether there are clots and assist in treatment planning.
Do Bulging Leg Veins Need Treatment?
Treatment for visible but asymptomatic bulging veins may be optional. However, if you are experiencing pain, swelling, irritation, discoloration, or sores, then treatment can provide relief and prevent further progression, such as the development of venous ulcers.
Effective Treatment Choices (All Performed in-Office)
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
RFA uses a thin catheter that uses gentle heat from inside the vein to seal it closed. After the vein is sealed, the blood flow naturally diverts through healthy veins. The treatment is done with local anesthesia, and people are able to resume normal activities quickly.
VenaSeal adhesive closure
A small amount of medical glue is used to close the problematic vein without the need for heat. Many patients do not require post-procedure compression unless other therapies are used.
Sclerotherapy
In the case of spider veins and smaller varicose veins, we inject a medicine into the vein that causes it to close off. Over time, the vein is absorbed into the body and the vein becomes less visible. Treatments are typically quick and often require a series of treatments to get the desired result.
Microphlebectomy
Small veins on the surface are removed through a few small incisions. Local anesthetic only; small strips of adhesive (no stitches). Most patients leave the office and can resume light activity the same day.
What You Can Do Now
- Get up, move, and sit/stand less: switch positions every 30-60 minutes.
- Elevate your legs when possible (10-15 minutes).
- Wear compression socks when you’re going on long car rides, flights, or standing shifts.
- Wear supportive shoes and ease back into exercise gradually, increasing time and intensity a little at a time as you feel comfortable.
Doing these things will not make existing veins disappear, but they can help alleviate symptoms and help with outcomes following treatment.
When to See a Vein Specialist
Leg discomfort is often brushed off as fatigue or a normal part of getting older. But certain symptoms can be signs of underlying vein disease and should not be ignored. If you are experiencing any of the following, it may be time to see a vein specialist for evaluation and treatment.
- Heaviness, swelling, throbbing, or cramps in the legs
- Changes in the skin over the ankles, such as itching, darkening, and thickening, or a sore that will not heal
- Swollen, painful veins that bulge out and become inflamed
- Leg symptoms interfere with sleep, work, or activities despite home treatment
How The Vein Institute Helps Treat Bulging Legs in Veins
- Discussion & exam – Tell us what you’re experiencing and what you’d like to improve.
- Duplex ultrasound – We’ll check for reflux and determine which veins to treat.
- Customized treatment plan – RFA, VenaSeal, sclerotherapy, microphlebectomy, and/or a combination of these treatments, expertly coordinated for the best possible outcome.
- Insurance assistance – We can check your insurance for coverage of medically necessary varicose vein treatments.
Ready for Lighter Legs? Schedule a Vein Evaluation
Bulging veins in legs are common, and most of them can be treated easily. If you have veins that are associated with symptoms like heaviness, swelling, itchiness, nighttime cramping, and skin discoloration, it is definitely worth getting checked out. A simple test using a duplex ultrasound can help you understand what’s going on, and treatments like radiofrequency ablation, VenaSeal, sclerotherapy, and microphlebectomy can help you get some relief from the symptoms with little to no time off from work.
Ready for the real solution? Contact us or call (203) 426-5554 to schedule a vein consultation with Vein Institute.