Bulging veins are prominent, enlarged veins that often appear blue or purple. They’re easy to see because they’re superficial veins close to the surface of your skin and typically occur on show up in your legs, feet, ankles and hands. While bulging veins are usually harmless, they can be a sign of a more serious problem like a blood clot.
Bulging veins are visible and enlarged veins that are close to the surface of your skin. They seem to pop out from your skin and can be very noticeable. These veins might appear twisted or rope-like, and their color may be blue or purple. If you touch them with your finger, you can easily feel their shape. They can appear throughout your body but are most commonly occur on one’s legs.
If you notice bulging veins, you might wonder what they mean. Usually, bulging veins aren’t cause for concern. Many people simply don’t like how they look. However, sometimes they can signal a serious medical problem or lead to complications. So it’s important to know what causes your veins to bulge and when you should call your healthcare provider.
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If you notice your veins are bulging, you might have varicose veins. This is a common condition that affects 1 in 3 adults.
You have different types of veins in your body, including deep veins and superficial veins. Varicose veins form when the superficial veins, the veins just beneath the skin, weaken. Increased blood pressure in your veins stretches them longer and wider. Your veins normally have one-way valves that allow blood to return to your heart. As your veins are stretched, these one-way valves stretch and blood becomes backed up in your veins. This worsens the stretching.
Common causes of varicose veins include:
Besides varicose veins, other reasons why our veins bulge include:
Common treatments for bulging veins include:
Bulging veins can’t be cured, but these treatments can help ease discomfort and make your veins less visible. Talk with your provider about the options that are best for you.
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Bulging veins can’t always be prevented. But you can help keep your veins as healthy as possible by:
People with bulging veins may have a higher risk of developing blood clots. Having a blood clot can lead to serious medical problems such as:
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If you notice any new bulging veins, call your provider and schedule an exam. Your bulging veins might be harmless. But getting them checked will ensure nothing serious is going on. Your provider will gently feel your veins and may suggest an ultrasound to check for blood clots.
If you notice the following issues with your bulging veins, call your provider right away:
These signs could indicate a more serious problem.
Some competitive bodybuilders want to make their veins big and noticeable. This process is called vascularity. Bulging veins represent strength and success in the world of bodybuilding. However, some methods bodybuilders use to make their veins pop out might be dangerous to their health.
For instance, blood flow resistance training (BFRT) has recently become a popular way to quickly gain muscle mass and bulging veins. BFRT involves using a tourniquet or pressure cuff to restrict blood flow to a specific muscle during exercise. Some researchers have even explored BFRT as a form of therapy for people with mobility limitations or chronic diseases. That’s because BFRT can help muscles grow stronger.
However, emerging research shows that using BFRT can be dangerous. It can add 5 to 10 mmHg to your usual blood pressure response when weightlifting. As a result, if you have any underlying risks for heart disease, this spike in blood pressure may increase your risk of having a stroke, artery dissection or heart attack. Before starting any new exercise plan, talk with your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits based on your personal medical history.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
You’re not alone in wondering what your bulging veins mean. This symptom is very common, and usually, it’s not a cause for alarm. About 1 in 3 adults have varicose veins, which is a common cause of prominent veins. But sometimes bulging veins can be a sign of a serious health problem, like a blood clot. So it’s always a good idea to call your healthcare provider if you notice any new bulging veins or changes to ones you’ve had.
Last reviewed on 04/28/2022.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy