What causes leg veins popping out?

Author: Jamie Opielski

Large, bulging varicose veins may look like they are popping out of your leg, and you are probably wondering why. Learn why a vein specialist in San Antonio or your hometown is best qualified to answer your questions.

The human circulatory system is immense, with miles of vessels serving every organ and tissue in the body. Fortunately, we don’t typically have to look at all of those veins. However, sometimes they become visible. They may appear red, blue, or purple. They might even bulge, as if they were popping out of your legs. What causes this?

The answer is not as simple as you might expect. A few years ago, most doctors would have told you that it wasn’t important. Enlarged leg veins, called varicose veins, were considered a cosmetic condition. If they were bothersome, they could be removed, often by surgical means. Otherwise, they were to be ignored. Even today, some general physicians or reference materials might carry the same message. Yet, the traditional wisdom regarding leg veins was misleading at best, and false at worst.

In recent years, researchers have made groundbreaking discoveries regarding the causes, effects, and potential solutions for vascular disease. Medical knowledge in this field is evolving so rapidly that it led to a new recognized medical specialty, phlebology. Experts now recommend seeing a phlebologist (vein specialist) to answer the question of what is causing your varicose vein. The answer is not the same for every person, and the condition is not purely cosmetic.

A varicose vein is enlarged, the walls are stretched allowing it to accumulate too much blood. This usually means the vascular valve has failed, and blood is flowing the wrong direction. If a vein is visible, it is not healthy. However, it is possible for a vein to be unhealthy, and still not be visible.

The potential causes and risk factors of varicose veins include:

  • Genetics – Some people inherit a susceptibility to vascular disease.
  • Immobility – Travelers, people with jobs that require extended standing or sitting, and those who lead a sedentary lifestyle are more likely to develop varicose veins.
  • Injury – Any kind of trauma that damages the vein can weaken it.
  • Blood clot – In some cases a vessel is blocked by a clot, causing it to accumulate pressure.
  • Chronic vascular disease – Conditions such as chronic venous insufficiency can cause a person to develop varicose veins and a number of other symptoms.
  • Hormones – Natural conditions such as pregnancy, or certain medications, can lead to an increase in hormones that weaken the vascular walls.

Quality phlebology care can be found in San Antonio and other progressive cities around the country. If you have concerns about varicose veins, see a specialist and benefit from the latest knowledge and technology in the field.

Vein diseases, like varicose and spider veins, and hemorrhoids are some of the most painful to experience. This is why you need the best treating you. You can find the best at Vein Associates of Texas. Located in San Antonio and Kerrville this office provides the most effective and safest treatments. Read more on: Leg veins popping out San Antonio.