Bumps in vein on arm: My doctor said it's valves in the vein - is there a such thing? (Photos)

It’s important to distinguish between varicose veins and spider veins when choosing between laser therapy, sclerotherapy, and vein surgery. With two board certified vein specialists, our center uses a combination of visual examination, functional flow measurements, ultrasound, transillumination, and infrared light to map out vein networks prior to therapy. Lasers can be used to treat deep varicose vein insufficiency, vein perforators, and varicose veins. Sclerotherapy is ideal for spider veins and reticular veins. Whereas surgery is reserved for severely incompetent varicose vein segments.


Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Thank you for sharing your photos. The veins over your bicep are tortuous and enlarged. There are two possible treatments . Phlebectomy or Foam Sclerotherapy for your arm veins. I have removed hundred of thousand of annoying looking veins but I recommend against treating or removing veins from your forearm and upper arm . You need those vein for blood draws and IVs .

The venous circulatory system of the lower and upper extremities contains many valves and that is a fact; however, if there are symptoms like swelling, pain, redness, or hardness or lump (area of concern upper /lower extremity) you should be checked by your physician. An ultrasound of the upper extremity could be done to evaluate patency of the deep and superficial veins of the area of concern. 
Best, 

These are normal valves in veins.  The veins in the picture are superficial veins with prominent and noticeable valves in them in the pictures

Those are valves or venulectasia, where the vein is 50% larger than segments before or after the valve. This is normal.H Karamanoukian MD FACScertified vein specialist (ABVLM) and double board certified surgeon

Yes, our veins do have valves.  You are normal.  If the appearance of the veins becomes more prominent, it may be a good idea to go see a vascular specialist that can address veins.  If it has been with you for a while it is probably normal.  Should you have further concerns be sure to follow up with a local doctor.

The veins of our arms and legs have one way valves to aid in the proper flow of blood back to the heart.  The area of the veins that have the valves tend to have a slight bulge in them. This is entirely normal.

These actually look like varicosities in the arm.  There can be many causes.  If they are "new" I would suggest getting them evaluated by a vascular specialist as they should not be there.  

Yes, these are most likely valves, which help prevent blood from flowing backwards. They are commonly seen on the legs, but occasionally on the arms.

The posted pictures do look like vein valves which are very common and normal.  Arm veins can increase or decrease depending on many factors including levels of hydration, types of activities, straining and genetics.  Usually no treatment is necessary for these kinds of veins.