What causes bulging veins in feet?

Veins are a vital part of your circulatory system. You can see them under your skin, but they usually lie flat and can’t be felt. But sometimes they’re bulging and appear blue or purple. Bulging veins can be typically seen on the feet, legs, ankles, and hands. 

Bulging Veins vs. Varicose Veins

Varicose veins almost always bulge, but not all bulging veins are varicose veins. Bulging veins may simply be a normal variant or caused by enthusiasm for exercise. Low body fat also makes veins stand out.

Bulging veins in feet is a common condition, but they are often harmless and shouldn’t scare you. However, they could be a sign of another disorder like varicose veins or blood clots. One in three adults have varicose veins.¹  

Symptoms of Bulging Veins

Bulging veins are unsightly, and that may be your biggest problem. Distressing symptoms are uncommon but may include aching and uncomfortable legs, cramps, burning or throbbing sensation, and dry and itchy skin over the bulging veins.² The pain is often worsened by standing for a long time.

You should watch out for signs that the problem is severe like:

• Bleeding
• Pain
• Feeling warm
• Swelling and redness around the bulging veins

Bulging Veins Causes

Veins carry blood to the heart, and valves help this one-way flow. However, vein valve failure, increased pressure within the veins, and other conditions can cause reversal of blood flow, blood clots, and bulging veins. This is commonly known as varicose veins. Common causes associated with varicose veins include:³

• Being female
• Smoking
• Older age
• Obesity or being overweight
• Hormonal changes, especially associated with pregnancy
• History of vein problems in the family
• Standing for long periods
• Medical conditions such as chronic venous insufficiency and vasculitis
• Poor nutrition
• Intense exercise

Bulging Veins Treatment

Bulging veins in feet are often harmless, but you should consult your doctor when you notice them causing you discomfort. If doctors uncover an underlying disorder, they may advise treatment and lifestyle changes like losing weight, being more active, avoiding tight clothing, and wearing gradient compression stockings.⁴

You may opt for treatment because of their appearance. Other reasons for treatment may be to:

• Prevent the worsening of the condition
• Relieve symptoms
• Avoid complications, such as venous ulcers and bleeding⁵ 

The recommended treatments for bulging veins include:

Microfoam Injection (Sclerotherapy): A special chemical is injected into the bulging vein with ultrasound guidance.⁶ This chemical foams inside the vein and damages it, causing it to collapse. The body absorbs the vein and it disappears. Your doctor may inject a local anesthetic to numb the area and prevent pain. Several bulging veins can be treated in one session.⁷ 

Microphlebectomy: This is a minimally invasive surgical procedure done under local anesthesia. Your vein specialist performs microphlebectomy at their office, and you can go home soon after. This method costs less, and complications like infection and scarring are uncommon.

Heat-based methods like endovenous laser ablation and radiofrequency ablation are unsuitable on the feet due to the thin skin, posing a risk of burning.

Looking for Bulging Veins Treatment?

My Vein Treatment offers expert, in-depth information about varicose veins and treatment options. You can also use our vein specialist locator to find an expert in your area.

SOURCES:

1. Cleveland Clinic: “Bulging Veins.” 
2. National Health Service: “Varicose veins: Overview.”   
3. Cleveland Clinic: “Bulging Veins.“
4. National Institutes of Health: “Bulging Veins: What to Do About Varicose Veins.”  
5. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: “Varicose Veins.”   
6. National Health Service: “Varicose veins: Treatment.”   
7. National Health Service: “Varicose veins: Treatment.”