I am developing veins in my wrists, forearms and shins. Are they anything to worry about? (Photo)

Question

I am on my feet a lot at work and lift heavy cases and beer kegs. I work at a brewery. I have developed veins on my shins and forearms that pop out. I've always had visible veins in my hands. Are these non varicose veins? Are they anything to worry about? Thanks

Payman Kosari, MD, FAAD · Answer

These veins are not varicose.  They are consider reticular veins.  I would seek a consult with a vein specialist to evaluate whether you have underlying venous insufficiency that warrants treatment in the future.  For now, I strongly recommend compression stocking during waking hours especially for a job like yours.  This will be your best bet at preventing progression of vein development

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Michael Nguyen, MD · Answer

There is the possibility of developing venous insufficiency of the lower extremities which is very common and depends on some factors. First of all, signs and symptoms of leg vein disease include varicose veins, leg or ankle swelling, leg heaviness and fatigue, leg pain, aching or cramping, burning or itching of the skin, restless legs, skin changes or rashes, ulcers, open wounds, or sores. Factors that contribute to the presence of venous insufficiency include age, gender, family history, heavy lifting, multiple pregnancies, obesity, and prolonged standing. The way healthy leg veins work is that they contain valves that open and close to help the blood return back to the heart. And venous reflux disease develops when the valves that keep blood flowing out of the legs and back to the heart no longer function, causing to pool in the legs and leading to signs and symptoms already mentioned. I would recommend that you go for an evaluation with a board certified vein specialist to check your leg veins if you are concerned. Now, approach is different for upper extremities because veins are closer to the heart, and they do not present the same problems as the legs many times do because of venous insufficiency. Your vein specialist can also do evaluation including ultrasound to check for patency of the upper extremity deep and superficial system to make sure there is not a complication if you are concern, but  be aware that normal veins do tend to dilate after strenuous exercise and heat exposure. I recommend you discuss all pros and cons of cosmetic treatments options for vein appearance of the lower/ upper extremities as well if imaging and evaluation are normal. Thank you for your question.Best,

John Landi, MD · Answer

Your picture looks like reticular veins which are larger than spider veins but smaller than varicose veins.  These veins may enlarge over time to become varicose or may just stay as they are.  Lifting heavy objects and straining will increase the blood flow through them which could cause them to enlarge. Wearing knee length support hose would help.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

If you have symptoms (aching, pain, heavy legs, cramping, throbbing, ankle swelling), seek evaluation with venous Doppler ultrasound scanning for venous insufficiency. Oterwise, wear compression stockings and use a horse chestnut based cream to keep your veins healthy. See link below for Omega Vein Cream.

I am developing veins in my wrists, forearms and shins. Are they anything to worry about? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Reticular veins

Answer: Reticular veins

Answer: Omega Vein Cream to keep veins healthy

Answer: Omega Vein Cream to keep veins healthy

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Sclerotherapy

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

I am developing veins in my wrists, forearms and shins. Are they anything to worry about? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Reticular veins

Answer: Reticular veins

Answer: Omega Vein Cream to keep veins healthy

Answer: Omega Vein Cream to keep veins healthy

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Sclerotherapy

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.