Leg Veins
Leg veins are part of your body’s normal anatomy. Their job is to carry blood back to your heart, working against gravity with help from small valves inside the vein walls. While everyone has leg veins, certain conditions can cause these veins to become twisted, swollen, or more visible on the skin’s surface. These are not normal changes. They may signal an underlying issue that needs attention.
You may have searched the term “leg veins” because of changes in how your veins look or feel. If you are seeing bulging, dark, or uncomfortable veins in your legs, you may actually be dealing with a vein condition, most commonly varicose veins or spider veins.
Types of Unsightly Leg Veins
Visible leg veins that cause concern are typically one of two conditions: varicose veins or spider veins.
Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are large, bulging veins that often appear twisted or rope-like beneath the surface of the skin. They are usually blue or purple and develop when the valves inside the veins weaken. This allows blood to pool in the vein, which stretches and distorts it over time. You might notice them most on your calves or behind your knees.
Spider Veins
In contrast, spider veins are much smaller. These red, blue, or purple lines tend to spread out like a web near the skin’s surface. While often considered a cosmetic issue, spider veins can also cause mild discomfort, such as burning or itching, especially after standing.
The veins themselves are not the problem. It is the damage to the vein walls or valves that creates the issue.
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Symptoms to Watch For
You might not always feel symptoms from problematic leg veins, but many people do. The most common signs include:
- A feeling of heaviness or tiredness in the legs.
- Aching, throbbing, or soreness, especially after standing or at the end of the day.
- Swelling around the ankles or calves.
- Itching or dry skin near visible veins.
- Muscle cramps or restless legs at night.
- Discoloration or slow-healing sores on the lower legs in more advanced cases.
If you notice any of these symptoms alongside visible veins, it may be time to consider leg vein treatment.
Causes and Risk Factors
At The Vein Institute of Hunterdon, we specialize in simple, effective solutions for problematic leg veins. Our leg vein treatment options are designed to restore both comfort and appearance with minimal downtime.
Some of the most common treatments we offer include:
- Sclerotherapy: This involves injecting a safe solution directly into the spider veins, causing them to seal shut and fade from view.
- Laser or radiofrequency ablation: We use focused heat to close off larger varicose veins, relieving pressure and allowing your body to reroute blood through healthy veins.
- Ambulatory phlebectomy: For surface veins that are bulging or uncomfortable, we can remove them through tiny incisions in the skin.
Our experienced team will help you decide which option fits your symptoms, lifestyle, and goals. We perform these treatments in-office, and most patients return to normal activity shortly after.
Get Relief From Painful or Bulging Leg Veins
You do not have to live with uncomfortable or unsightly leg veins. Our specialists at The Vein Institute of Hunterdon offer trusted, modern leg vein treatment options tailored to your needs.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we treat varicose veins, spider veins, and other leg vein concerns.
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(908) 788-0066
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