I have a lot of green veins on my legs, calves, even my arms and other parts of my body. Are those on my legs reticular veins, or could they be normal veins? They are very obvious. I never had them until my pregnancy last year. I have delivered 1 year ago.
It can take up to 3 months to see fading.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Typically, any vein that you see randomly criss-crossing the legs are abnormal veins. That being said, for the vast majority of patients, any veins that you see on the larges are normally abnormal and contribute to many symptoms. Very rarely are they ever normal like in the arms.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
They are probably reticular veins, especially since they didn't appear until your pregnancy. They can be treated with sclerotherapy if necessary.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Depending on the size, reflux and position, the veins could be normal or abnormal. Please consult with a board-certified vein doctor.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
All the veins in your body dilate with pregnancy. No treatment is needed.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Reticular veins are usually normal everywhere EXCEPT ON THE LEGS. When they appear on the legs, they may still be normal if there are no associated spider veins. However, if there are spider veins along with the
reticular veins, the reticular veins are most probably not normal and are part of the problem. See a board-certified vein specialist for a thorough evaluation and ultrasound.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
They may be normal. Veins can be very visible in fair skin or thin individuals, and this is normal. Normal reticular veins are straight and generally less than half an inch in diameter. If they are bulging or twisted they are likely varicose or abnormal and might need to be treated. I hope this helps.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
They sound like they are reticular veins, which are probably normal veins throughout your body. They can become larger and more noticeable after pregnancy, especially in the legs. Pregnancy hormones cause dilation of the veins, which may go back to normal after the first pregnancy but not always after subsequent pregnancies. The fact that you state you can see these veins in all areas of the body can be quite normal. In some people the skin is translucent and with the veins below the surface, they are more obvious. I would advise wearing a compression hose if you are on your feet a lot or planning further pregnancies. This may slow down the process in your legs. These are not your grandmother's stockings and can be quite stylish, especially in cooler weather.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Sounds pretty normal, but I could only tell you for certain after an exam. If you are concerned about them, contact a board-certified vein specialist in your area and schedule an appointment for a full evaluation and ultrasound.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Reticular veins are blue or green veins, which are larger than spider veins. Reticular veins are usually greater than 2 mm. Many people have reticular veins and it does not mean that they are abnormal; particularly in thin people they are easy to see. The fact that they increased during pregnancy would certainly suggest that there may be underlying venous reflux. You should see a vein specialist for an evaluation.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Whether they are normal or not should be determined by a vein specialist. Just being visible is not the criteria.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
See your vein MD. They could be either type of vein depending on the location and size.
Published on Jul 11, 2012