Can varicose veins twitch or pulsate?

I sometimes get vibrating or twitching sensations in my leg near where I have some varicose veins. Could this pulsating feeling be caused by the veins? Is it possible for veins to actually twitch?

Answers from doctors (4)


Vascular Institute of Chattanooga

Published on Apr 11, 2020

This twitching is probably not related to your varicose veins, but more likely secondary to electrolyte imbalance or muscle fatigue. Veins actually are very thin-walled and have no muscles in their walls. They rely on surrounding muscles to create pressure to propel the blood back to the heart. This is in contrast to arteries, which have multiple layers in their walls that include a muscle component. This is how they pulsate to propel blood flow and deliver blood and oxygen to the tissues.

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Answered by Vascular Institute of Chattanooga

This twitching is probably not related to your varicose veins, but more likely secondary to electrolyte imbalance or muscle fatigue. Veins actually are very thin-walled and have no muscles in their walls. They rely on surrounding muscles to create pressure to propel the blood back to the heart. This is in contrast to arteries, which have multiple layers in their walls that include a muscle component. This is how they pulsate to propel blood flow and deliver blood and oxygen to the tissues.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Oct 27, 2016

No, it is not possible. This sounds more like a nerve problem.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

No, it is not possible. This sounds more like a nerve problem.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Oct 27, 2016

Yes, many people over the years have mentioned a "crawling, twitching, water-like sensation, etc." on areas of varicose veins. The twitching sensation is considered a form of restless leg and is very common. I would recommend you be evaluated, including ultrasound by a board-certified surgeon who specializes in treating varicose veins. There is often an underlying problem with reflux due to inherited broken valves in the leg veins. When blood "pools", it can clot and cause superficial thrombophlebitis (not to be mistaken for deep vein thrombosis).

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Yes, many people over the years have mentioned a "crawling, twitching, water-like sensation, etc." on areas of varicose veins. The twitching sensation is considered a form of restless leg and is very common. I would recommend you be evaluated, including ultrasound by a board-certified surgeon who specializes in treating varicose veins. There is often an underlying problem with reflux due to inherited broken valves in the leg veins. When blood "pools", it can clot and cause superficial thrombophlebitis (not to be mistaken for deep vein thrombosis).

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Apr 27, 2015

Varicose veins do not vibrate or twitch. You may feel pressure in the dilated varicose veins or even aching and burning. If you have a varicose vein problem, then you should see a vein specialist.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Varicose veins do not vibrate or twitch. You may feel pressure in the dilated varicose veins or even aching and burning. If you have a varicose vein problem, then you should see a vein specialist.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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