What Causes Blue Veins in Legs

Noticing a sudden appearance of bluish veins growing darker and more prominent in your legs is a matter of concern. It affects your appearance and may sometimes have an underlying medical cause, which is a red flag about your vein health. However, blue veins should not be confused with varicose veins, since the blue veins are not swollen and bulging. 

Let’s dive into the causes of blue veins, their prevention, and treatment. 

What Are Blue Veins?

Blue veins are also known as feeder and reticular veins, or intradermal varices. These are generally normal and healthy, and you do not need to worry about them. However, when the color of your veins suddenly changes and are prominent, then it is something you need to be concerned about. These are venous blood vessels that appear bluish in color and stretched out beneath the surface of the skin. Blue veins differ from varicose veins in terms of size and course. They are usually 1 to 3 mm in diameter and are flatter and less tortuous than a varicose vein. Blue veins are commonly found on the knees and thighs, and at times they can also be found on the face. This condition is not only aesthetically unpleasant but may also be painful and extremely uncomfortable. 

What Causes Blue Veins in Legs?

The causes of blue veins are similar to other venous insufficiency conditions like varicose and spider veins. 

• Chronic (Long-Lasting) Venous Insufficiency

• • • This is a form of vein disease that predominantly affects the veins of your lower legs.
    • Your leg veins are damaged and as a result, disrupt the one-way valve system of the blood flow within the veins.
    • This impairs the blood flow from your legs to the heart and results in the pooling of blood within the affected vein. 
    • This causes increased pressure within the veins and leads to abnormal stretching of the veins.
    • The pooling of deoxygenated blood results in blue veins.

• Genetics

• • • This could be an inherited (passed down through generations) condition.
    • Fair or light skin people have more prominent blue veins due to their skin colour.

• Age

• • • As you age, your skin may lose its elasticity and amount of collagen.
    • As a result, your skin becomes thin, allowing for blue veins to appear more prominently.

• Weight

• • • You may have veins closer to your skin if you have less body fat.
    • Excess weight or obesity can cause vein diseases due to increased pressure exerted on the veins.

• Hormonal imbalance

• • • Certain conditions like pregnancy, thyroid disorders, using birth control pills, and lactation (breastfeeding) can cause hormonal changes that may cause blue veins.
    • During pregnancy, the fetus may put pressure on the veins of your pelvic area which in turn increases pressure in the veins of your thighs and legs.

• Occupation

• • • Certain jobs like waiters, teachers, and traffic police that require prolonged standing or sitting are likely to increase your probability of developing blue veins.

• Geographic location

• • • Heat causes veins to dilate, which accelerates the blood flow and increases the pooling of blood in the affected vein.
    • This accumulation of deoxygenated blood gives a bluish appearance in your legs.
    • Sun exposure and sunburns can increase your risk of developing vein disease.

• Lifestyle habits

• • Wearing tight clothes can impair blood flow and cause the pooling of blood. This may increase the blood pressure in your veins making them blue and more visible.
  • Excess alcohol consumption raises your heart rate which exerts pressure on your veins.
  • Smoking can cause dehydration and make the walls of the veins stretch out causing the pooling of blood that leads to swelling and blue veins. 

Are Blue Veins Healthy?

If you have always had blue veins then it is normal, and you need not worry about them. But, if you notice a sudden appearance of blue veins then you should get it checked by a healthcare provider, if:

• You never had blue veins before: If a blue vein appears suddenly and rapidly, it could be a sign of blood pooling in your circulatory system.
• This vein color is constantly changing: If your vein colour changes from blue to a darker blue or purple or green, seek medical help. This could be an indication of chronic venous insufficiency.
• The blue veins hurt and you feel pain and discomfort. This could possibly affect your routine activities.
• The blue veins are accompanied by ulcers and open sores. 

When Are Blue Veins Dangerous?

Although some people may have blue veins which is considered normal, sometimes there could be possible symptoms that may indicate a more serious underlying medical cause such as vein disease. This should not be taken lightly or ignored, vein diseases if left untreated may cause life-threatening complications and even death. Watch out for the following unusual symptoms:

• Enlarged, gnarled and twisted veins that appear raised or bulged
• Swelling in the legs and ankles
• Itchiness and heaviness in the leg
• Dry, flaky and hardened skin on your legs
• Severe cramping and aches especially in your thighs and calves
• Pain in your legs that dissipates after walking 

If you experience any of the above symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately as it indicates the presence of vein disease.

How Can You Prevent Blue Veins?

You can effectively reduce the risk and prevent blue or reticular veins through lifestyle modifications. These include:

• Limit your exposure to the sun or wear proper protection
• Avoid prolonged standing or sitting
• Quit or limit your alcohol consumption and smoking
• Leg elevation is very important since it helps proper blood circulation to the legs
• Aim to maintain a stable weight and avoid being overweight

Takeaway

Having blue veins is normal if you have been experiencing it already due to light skin tone which makes the veins that are closer to the skin surface appear blue. However, if you notice the sudden and rapid appearance of blue veins that are accompanied by pain or discomfort, then you need to seek medical attention. This could probably indicate the presence of an underlying medical cause. Chronic venous insufficiency, genetics, aging, hormonal changes, obesity (being overweight), prolonged standing or sitting, and extreme sun exposure are some of the causes of blue veins. With effective and timely preventive measures taken, you can easily reduce your risk of developing blue veins.

For more information about the causes, prevention and treatment of blue veins, contact our expert team at Medfin.