Do veiny legs mean I have varicose veins? Tell-tale signs you should consider

Varicose veins are visible, twisted, swollen blood vessels that appear on the surface of your skin, most commonly on your legs. Although varicose veins are visible, it doesn’t mean that all veins are varicose. In this article, we will look at the factors you need to consider in determining whether or not you have varicose veins, and what to do if you have them.

Why veiny legs aren’t necessarily varicose veins

Veiny legs are common and are often the result of poor venous function, which is simply a natural ageing process. To help determine whether your legs are veiny or are suffering from varicose veins, you need to consider the following:

Your exercise routine and everyday lifestyle

If you are a fitness enthusiast then you may have noticed that your veins tend to stand out more when you workout. This is because your muscles contract more/work harder, meaning that your veins need to dilate to allow for greater blood flow and oxygen to circulate around the body. Furthermore, your body temperature increases when you exercise and so to help regulate it, your veins widen enabling more blood to rise to the surface of your skin and heat to be transferred through conduction, convection or radiation.

Conversely, if your job or day involves sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time, such as desk or bar work, or a long plane flight, your blood stagnates which causes veins to swell and become more visible.

Your weight, skin type and age

If you are low in body fat, there is less fat to cover and pad the skin around your veins, and so it is common to see veins on your hands, feet and legs i.e. areas where the skin is much thinner. People with fairer skin also tend to have more noticeable veins, as well as those later on in life; this is because as your skin ages it too gets thinner and loses its elasticity. What’s more, the valves in your veins weaken meaning that blood can pool into your veins for longer periods of time.

When do veiny legs indicate varicose veins?

Although it is clear that there are many factors that can lead to veiny legs, it is the persistence and progressive symptoms of:

• Twisted, swollen and enlarged veins;
• Itchy or tingly skin; and
• Throbbing, heavy and tired legs and feet

that could indicate you do in fact suffer from varicose veins. Furthermore, if you have a family history of varicose veins you are at a higher risk of developing the condition.

What to do if you are experiencing varicose vein symptoms

If you are ever in doubt about your varicose veins, we always recommend speaking to an expert consultant like the ones we have in the Premier Veins team.

The consultant will perform a vein duplex ultrasound scan to assess blood flow and detect poorly functioning valves. They can then diagnose whether you have varicose veins and provide you with information on the best treatment plans available to you.

How can we help?

Here at Premier Veins, we offer a FREE, no-obligation mini-consultation for anyone considering varicose vein treatment at one of our private clinics in Birmingham, Solihull, Leamington Spa and London. The consultation will provide you with an opportunity to:

• Meet the award-winning team of vein specialists who would be carrying out your treatment;
• Discuss our walk-in-walk-out treatment options that come with a 12-month guarantee and all-inclusive pricing plans; and
• Ask any questions you may have about our services.

To get started, click here to book your FREE mini-consultation or call 0333 366 2246 to speak to a member of our expert team today.