Leg veins can become more visible for several reasons. If you can see your leg veins all of a sudden, no doubt you want to know what’s changed. Why can you see them now? And should you be worried?
When your leg veins become more prominent, it could mean nothing at all. However, it could also indicate the presence of vein disease. In this post, we’ll share what visible veins can mean, and what you can do if you believe poor vein health is to blame.
The best approach is to reach out to a vein specialist to uncover the basic reason behind underlying vein disease. Dr. Robert Azizi is an experienced vein specialist serving South California with latest vein care services.
What Causes Visible Veins?
Sometimes, the causes of visible veins are harmless. Veins can become more visible for a range of benign reasons, such as:
- Low body fat
- Genetics
- Age
- Exercise
- Weather
Any of these could be the reason behind your visible veins. However, it’s best to get confirmation, as it could highlight a problem with your vein health. Sudden vein visibility could be down to something called varicose veins — a common expression of vein disease.
Varicose Veins and Spider Veins
Varicose and spider veins are common in the US. They’re both visible in the legs and are blue-purple in color. However, while spider veins are small and superficial, varicose veins are raised and swollen blood vessels with a twisted appearance. Varicose veins are far more likely to cause pain and other troubling symptoms.
The truth is, varicose and spider veins are damaged veins. They form when the valves inside the veins weaken and stop functioning correctly. Healthy valves push blood back to the heart, but weak valves struggle to perform this task, causing blood to flow backward and gather in the vein. All this extra blood creates pressure, making the veins in your blood stand out.
What To Do if You Think You Have Spider or Varicose Veins?
Spider veins are usually just a cosmetic issue, so seeing a doctor isn’t always necessary. Any treatment you get for spider veins is done for cosmetic reasons, rather than for medical ones.
For some people, varicose veins can just be a cosmetic issue, particularly if they aren’t experiencing any symptoms. But in others, varicose veins can produce discomfort and swelling. If they’re giving you a hard time, speak to a vascular surgeon. There’s never a need to suffer in silence, especially when you’re dealing with a treatable condition!
See your doctor if you find yourself dealing with any of the following:
- Ulcers on the legs that do not heal
- Heaviness and weakness in the legs
- Skin color changes on the lower leg and ankle
- Frequent painful cramps in the legs
- Dry, irritated, or scaly skin around the veins
- Frequent pain and discomfort
- Swelling in the legs (especially calf swelling in one leg)
What Kind of Doctor Should You See?
You need to see a vascular specialist, preferably one that is board certified with excellent credentials. Look for a trusted vein doctor with a wide range of experience and high levels of patient satisfaction. Just to let you know, our Dr. Robert Azizi meets the criteria.
What Can You Do at Home to Help Yourself?
If you have varicose veins but your symptoms are mild, there are steps you can take to improve your vein condition at home. Here’s what you can do:
- Get over-the-counter compression stockings
Mild compression stockings can be bought over the counter to improve blood flow. They can reduce mild swelling and fatigue. If you’re sitting and standing for most of the day, you might want to try compression stockings to promote circulation
- Exercise
Varicose veins happen when blood pools into your legs instead of flowing back up to the heart. Exercise can help deal with this issue. Through exercise, your leg muscles contract and pump the blood up in the right direction. Low-impact exercises are best, as these are less likely to add pressure to your veins. Walking, swimming, and yoga are all ideal choices. You can even try leg-specific stretches to support vein health as lunges and calf raises
- Elevate your legs
When you’re relaxing and laying down on the couch, lift your legs in the air. Elevating your legs above the level of the heart can promote blood flow in the right direction.
- Eat the right diet
The typical American diet can be problematic for vein health. High-fat and high-salt diets can thicken the blood and lead to water retention, which all add pressure to your veins. To support vein health, drink more water and eat more fiber and potassium. You might want to up your intake of flavonoids to strengthen your blood vessels.
- Try vitamins
Vitamin C and B can strengthen and repair damaged veins. Vitamin E, along with vitamin B, can prevent clotting from occurring – something people with varicose veins are at an increased risk of experiencing. You can take these as supplements or you can choose foods that are rich in these vitamins.
What Are Your Options for Getting Rid of Varicose Veins?
If your varicose veins are still causing you problems after making lifestyle changes, or you just want to remove them altogether, you can undergo one of a few medical procedures. These modern and effective procedures are performed by your vascular surgeon and are considered minimally invasive.
Here are three examples of procedures you could be offered.
- Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy involves injecting a chemical foaming solution into the vein. This solution forces the vein to collapse in on itself and seal shut. The blood is then directed into healthier veins. You can get Sclerotherapy from experienced vein specialist in South California.
- Phlebectomy
It is a Surgical procedure that helps get rid of veins in the body. It treats vein diseases such as varicose veins, spider veins, and hemorrhoids. It is a minimally invasive procedure and is a secure & compelling treatment alternative for individuals who endure venous disorders. You can read more about how Phlebectomy treats vein diseases.
- Endovenous laser ablation
In EVLA, the surgeon directs laser energy into the affected veins to close them. Again, the blood shifts into healthier veins and circulation improve. Read more about advantages of endovenous laser ablation for vein disease.
Which Procedure Should You Have?
As well as the three above, we offer other procedures for varicose veins. These are the Compression Therapy, Microsclerotherapy, and Endoscopic Vein Surgery.
You’d need to have a conversation with a vascular surgeon to see if undertaking any procedure is a good idea. If your doctor agrees, they can inform you of the best choice for your individual condition. When making recommendations, your doctor will take into account your severity, your medical history, and your goals for your vein health.
Get Your Vein Health Assessed and Uncover Your Next Steps with Dr. Robert Azizi in South California
If your veins have suddenly become more visible and you want to know what’s going on, see Dr. Robert Azizi in Bell Gardens, Buena Park & Korea Town in California.
If you don’t have symptoms, remember varicose and spider veins are still the result of weak and damaged veins. A vein doctor can assess your condition, offer advice and assist you back to better vein health.
Want to know the status of your vein health? Get in touch with us today
Dr. Azizi, the distinguished vascular surgeon and Leading Specialist at Renew Vein and Vascular Care, is a trailblazer in the field of vascular medicine. As the visionary founder of Renew Vein and Vascular Care, Dr. Azizi has established state-of-the-art facilities in Korea Town, Bell Gardens, and Buena Park, CA. His patient-centric philosophy emphasizes personalized care, fostering strong doctor-patient relationships, and his community engagement extends to educational outreach programs on vascular health. Dr. Azizi’s unwavering dedication to excellence and compassion positions him as a leader shaping the future of vascular surgery and healthcare.