Are you supposed to be able to feel your femoral vein in thigh?

Question

lately I’ve noticed I can feel my vein in my left thigh going down beside my knee cap. Is it normal to be able to feel this vein on the skin of the inner thigh?

Thomas Wright, MD · Answer

If you can feel a vein, it most commonly a superficial vein, such as a varicose vein or an enlarged saphenous vein or tributary [branch] of the saphenous vein. The vein that you can feel is most likely a branch of the saphenous vein. Technically the femoral vein becomes the popliteal vein at the top of the knee, which means that it is almost certainly not your femoral vein.  I recommend you see a vein specialist to examine your leg and check your veins. Wishing you the best of health.,

John Landi, MD · Answer

The femoral vein is a deep vein located deep into the muscles and becomes the popliteal vein behind the knee.  You cannot feel this.  What you are feeling is a superficial vein.  In thin individuals superficial veins are much easier to see and feel than in heavier individuals. Around the knee these superficial veins are very close to the skin.

Albert Malvehy, MD · Answer

It is likely the great saphenous vein or a branch of the great saphenous vein or a varicose vein that is early. You may also just be quite thin and have little subcutaneous fat. If it is remotely uncomfortable, go to a reputable vein physician (find one through the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine, the ABVLM) and get an ultrasound.

Brian Heeringa, MD, FACS · Answer

You will not be able to feel your femoral vein as it runs deep, under the muscle.  What you describe is probably a tributary of the greater saphenous vein.  In many people the true saphenous vein will become very small or absent in the mid thigh but a superficial branch will continue down the medial thigh very close to the skin surface.  This may or may not be diseased and an ultrasound will let your provider determine that.  If it is asymptomatic, you are fine to leave it be but if symptomatic, it can be easily treated.  I would note however that I would advise caution in treating that with a thermal technique such as laser or RF as when the vein is that close to the skin you will be at high risk for hemosiderin staining along the course of the vein.

Are you supposed to be able to feel your femoral vein in thigh?

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