Enlarged veins in forearm. No big deal or something serious? (Photo)

Question

I have always had a lot of visible veins as do both my parents but lately I have noticed the veins on the underside of my left forearm get enlarged at times and really stick out. When I raise my arm they go away but when letting my arm hang they pop back out again. Is this something I should be worried about or is it no big deal? Also, when curling a dumbeell or lifting anything I notice a few bumps/lumps every few inches on the same vein. Hopefully these photos help

John Landi, MD · Answer

The pictures that you show are normal forearm veins and nothing to worry about.  With weight lifting and straining, these veins will increase in size as they engorge with blood.  This is normal. The same thing occurs when you put your arms down below your heart and when you raise the arms above your heart, the veins empty and shrink in size.

Rodolfo Farhy, MD · Answer

The pictures show normal veins on your arms. Usually more prominent in individuals that do more exercise like you. They DO NOT  need treatment.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

No need to worry about these veins - they are more prominent in weight lifters. The important thing you said is that they decompress when you raise your arms which makes it unlikely that you have clots in your deep veins. Don't worry about these veins - no treatment necessary.

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Enlarged veins in forearm. No big deal or something serious? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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