Bulging Veins: Common Causes & Prevention

Why Are My Veins Popping Out?

In some cases, prominent veins are due to normal causes such as aging or lack of movement. However, if you are experiencing veins popping out suddenly, it could be a sign of vein disease like varicose vein or potentially a blood clot. 

 Read through this blog article to learn more about vein health, and learn if your bulging veins are healthy, or actually troublesome.

 

Table of Contents

Are Bulging Veins Common?

Bulging veins and veins popping out is common among both men and women of all ages. These bulges don’t typically display symptoms that would indicate any serious medical or vein problems, but if popped veins are left untreated, they can lead to life-threatening vein conditions and could require treatment

 

Approximately 23% percent of U.S. adults suffer from bulging veins, also known as varicose veins, which can arise for multiple reasons.

Sudden Bulging Veins in Arms and Hands?

A malfunctioning valve in the veins causes them to project outward, or bulge. You may notice popped out veins with a lack of movement after sitting for an extended period of time. Popped veins can also occur with aging, obesity, and pregnancy. Valves are like one-way flaps that help to regulate blood flow through the veins. When it doesn’t work properly, it prevents the blood from flowing upward as it normally should. Instead, blood flows backward which leads to veins becoming enlarged.

stages of vein disease

What Does a Popped Vein Look Like?

bulging veins in lower leg

Popped veins can appear as blue or purple lines or bulges beneath the skin’s surface and are typically more visible on the legs, hands, and arms. While a popped vein may not always cause discomfort, it can be an unsightly and concerning issue for many individuals. Understanding the appearance of veins popping out and the various factors that can contribute to their development can help individuals identify any potential health concerns and take appropriate action to prevent further damage.

Causes of Bulging Veins

Common causes of bulging veins in legs include:

  • Obstruction of blood flow
  • Obesity
  • Lack of movement
  • Aging
  • Pregnancy
  • Thrombophlebitis (swelling and inflammation)

There can be several reasons for veins to pop out, including genetics, age, physical activity, dehydration, and underlying medical conditions. Understanding the various factors that can cause veins to become more visible can help individuals identify any potential health concerns and take necessary precautions to prevent complications.

When Are Bulging Leg Veins Normal?

In many cases, vein popping out is normal to see in certain situations. Bulging leg veins don’t often indicate an underlying health problem or confirm a critical medical issue. If you notice bulging leg veins in your legs, don’t immediately panic.

You can expect veins to naturally bulge under the following circumstances:

  • Thin skin due to aging
  • Low body fat
  • Increased blood pressure due to intense physical activity

Varicose veins are particularly common among pregnant women. Although the vein popping out can be discomforting and bothersome, it is not life-threatening. Typical symptoms of popped veins include:

  • Itching
  • Pain
  • Discomfort
  • Heavy feeling in the affected area
  • Hardening of veins

These symptoms don’t usually worsen. Even though varicose veins are uncomfortable and unsightly, they can go away or improve after the baby is born within three to four months. Some women report that their varicose veins caused by pregnancy never went away. If a pregnant woman has poor circulation and varicose veins, the condition can progress over time. Compression socks and compression hoses are advised to increase blood flow and circulation in the legs.

Signs Popped Out Veins Are Causing Problems

There is substantial research that varicose veins share a link to blood clots and can lead to the following conditions:

  • Pulmonary Embolism – PE occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs. Symptoms typically include shortness of breath and chest pain.
  • Superficial Vein Thrombosis – SVT is a type of blood clot that forms right below the skin’s surface. Symptoms include limb pain, skin warmth around the vein, and red, inflamed skin along the vein.
  • Deep Vein Thrombosis – DVT refers to blood clots that develop deep in the veins throughout your body. In some cases, there are no symptoms. In other instances, the disorder causes swelling and leg pain.
varicose veins - veins popping out

When Do You Need Medical Care for Popped Veins?

Generally speaking, varicose veins are a harmless condition. You may not experience symptoms or have an underlying health problem. However, there are instances where veins popping out cause symptoms that often require attention from healthcare professionals. As a result, adults should not turn a blind eye to these physical issues:

  • Leg pain
  • Leg swelling
  • Trouble breathing
  • Chest pain
  • Discoloration
  • Skin ulceration

Treatment For Popped Out Veins

There is ongoing research exploring the connection between bulging veins and blood clots. There are also indications that if these conditions go untreated, it could lead to life-threatening conditions such a deep vein thrombosis, superficial vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism.

If you experience shortness of breath, chest pain or swollen legs, it is recommended that you seek medical attention. If you’re experiencing varicose veins, be sure to review your treatment options, and contact us with any questions you may have. You can also opt for a non-invasive surgical intervention that can treat unsightly, painful leg vein problems. Our team of specialists can treat vein disease in NapervilleSycamore and GenevaContact us today at Gilvydis Vein Clinic and schedule a free screening by filling out our online form. 

Medically Reviewed By:

Dr. Gilvydis

Dr. Rimas Gilvydis, M.D, is the co-founder of Northern Illinois Vein Clinic (NIVC) in Rockford, Illinois, and the founder of Gilvydis Vein Clinic (GVC) in Naperville, Sycamore, and Geneva, Illinois. A board-certified interventionalist and diplomate of the American Board of Venous & Lymphatic Medicine, Dr. Gilvydis has been treating varicose veins with minimally invasive techniques since they were first introduced.

Are you ready to wear shorts and be active this summer?

There’s no reason to keep suffering from varicose vein leg pain. We often encounter people who are afraid of varicose vein treatment. But our patients will tell you that there’s nothing to fear.   

 

Contact Gilvydis Vein Clinic to schedule a consultation today and get treatment for your varicose vein leg pain before summer starts.

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Get back to yourself.

We’re proud to be one of three vein centers in Illinois  with an IAC accreditation. Get back on your feet with a team of vein specialists who help you understand your vein treatment options.