Am I in the beginning stages of developing varicose veins?

I have noticed blue veins in both legs that have never been there before. They run up the calf and behind the knee. When I'm on my feet all day, some of the veins become very blue and others almost purple. They don't bulge. Is this the start of varicose veins?

Answers from doctors (11)


More About Doctor Vein Specialists

Published on May 29, 2018

The appearance of new veins or veins becoming more prominent throughout the course of the day can be the first manifestation of underlying venous disease or venous insufficiency. This is best evaluated by a vein specialist with a detailed history and physical exam and then likely an ultrasound. If you have any symptoms such as ankle swelling, tired, heavy, or achy legs at the end of the day, cramps in your legs at night, or restless legs syndrome, I would recommend a formal vein evaluation. You can visit weknowveins.com for more information.

Answered by Vein Specialists (View Profile)

The appearance of new veins or veins becoming more prominent throughout the course of the day can be the first manifestation of underlying venous disease or venous insufficiency. This is best evaluated by a vein specialist with a detailed history and physical exam and then likely an ultrasound. If you have any symptoms such as ankle swelling, tired, heavy, or achy legs at the end of the day, cramps in your legs at night, or restless legs syndrome, I would recommend a formal vein evaluation. You can visit weknowveins.com for more information.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Treatment Clinic

Published on May 29, 2018

It is important that you are evaluated by a vein specialist doctor. A vein specialist doctor is one who is board certified in venous and lymphatic medicine. Find a doctor who you can trust. The underlying venous system could be presenting venous reflux if you are noticing visible changes. There are other signs and symptoms like leg swelling, leg pain, or leg cramps among others. A vein expert can treat this underlying process called venous reflux as well as the varicose veins that show up in the surface of the skin.

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Answered by Vein Treatment Clinic

It is important that you are evaluated by a vein specialist doctor. A vein specialist doctor is one who is board certified in venous and lymphatic medicine. Find a doctor who you can trust. The underlying venous system could be presenting venous reflux if you are noticing visible changes. There are other signs and symptoms like leg swelling, leg pain, or leg cramps among others. A vein expert can treat this underlying process called venous reflux as well as the varicose veins that show up in the surface of the skin.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS, RVT, RPVI, RPhS

Published on May 29, 2018

Yes. If you have aching, pain, heaviness, tired legs, ankle or leg swelling then seek evaluation from a vein specialist.

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Answered by Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS, RVT, RPVI, RPhS

Yes. If you have aching, pain, heaviness, tired legs, ankle or leg swelling then seek evaluation from a vein specialist.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


It could be. I would at least have a consultation and ultrasound to rule out venous insufficiency. If it is negative, then you can have those blue veins injected to keep them from getting worse. If there is reflux on deeper veins, you may need other treatments to ensure your veins don't get worse. Reflux is easier to treat before it gets bad.

Answered by HeartCare Associates Vein Center (View Profile)

It could be. I would at least have a consultation and ultrasound to rule out venous insufficiency. If it is negative, then you can have those blue veins injected to keep them from getting worse. If there is reflux on deeper veins, you may need other treatments to ensure your veins don't get worse. Reflux is easier to treat before it gets bad.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Published on Mar 06, 2014

From what you are describing, it could be indicate that you may have an underlying vein condition that is causing what you see on the surface. The only way to be certain is to consult with a vein specialist. After performing tests (including ultrasound) and doing a physical examination, he or she will be able to determine whether the veins are problematic and require treatment.

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Answered by Vein Clinic of North Carolina

From what you are describing, it could be indicate that you may have an underlying vein condition that is causing what you see on the surface. The only way to be certain is to consult with a vein specialist. After performing tests (including ultrasound) and doing a physical examination, he or she will be able to determine whether the veins are problematic and require treatment.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Mar 06, 2014

It is possible that you are in the beginning stages of developing varicose veins. However, you need to visit a vein doctor to find out whether you are seeing prominent normal veins or abnormal varicose veins.

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Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

It is possible that you are in the beginning stages of developing varicose veins. However, you need to visit a vein doctor to find out whether you are seeing prominent normal veins or abnormal varicose veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Mar 06, 2014

You may be developing varicose veins, but the only way to know for sure is to see a vein doctor.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

You may be developing varicose veins, but the only way to know for sure is to see a vein doctor.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Mar 06, 2014

Without seeing you I would assume these are called "reticular veins" They can be quite normal and more apparent as we get older especially after standing. If there are no symptoms they don't pose any problems. If you do not care for the appearance they can be injected which, after a series of treatments, will make them fade/disappear. Wearing a good quality measured and fitted hose while standing/sitting for prolonged periods will possibly slow down the development. These will not necessarily turn into bulging varicose veins.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Without seeing you I would assume these are called "reticular veins" They can be quite normal and more apparent as we get older especially after standing. If there are no symptoms they don't pose any problems. If you do not care for the appearance they can be injected which, after a series of treatments, will make them fade/disappear. Wearing a good quality measured and fitted hose while standing/sitting for prolonged periods will possibly slow down the development. These will not necessarily turn into bulging varicose veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Mar 05, 2014

By your description seems that you have started the process of varicose vein formation. You could use compression stockings, but you will be better off consulting with a vein specialist.

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Answered by Heart and Vein Center

By your description seems that you have started the process of varicose vein formation. You could use compression stockings, but you will be better off consulting with a vein specialist.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Mar 05, 2014

Yes , what you describe sounds like varicose veins. I would recommend to stay fit and active and consider compression stockings.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

Yes , what you describe sounds like varicose veins. I would recommend to stay fit and active and consider compression stockings.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Mar 05, 2014

Blue veins are called reticular veins and they usually do not form into varicose veins. Reticular veins are common especially in those with fair skin. Very rarely will they progress to varicose veins. See a vein specialist for an evaluation. These can be treated by sclerotherapy.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Blue veins are called reticular veins and they usually do not form into varicose veins. Reticular veins are common especially in those with fair skin. Very rarely will they progress to varicose veins. See a vein specialist for an evaluation. These can be treated by sclerotherapy.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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