Your veins play an important role in your body’s circulatory system. While the heart pumps blood, oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, your veins are responsible for returning the deoxygenated blood to the heart for reoxygenation.
Why Are Veins Blue?
Even though blood is dark red, sometimes veins appear to have a bluish tint beneath the skin. Usually, this is seen around the thighs, knees and chest, especially on people with lighter complexions. Blue veins under the skin can be attributed to an individual’s complexion and Body Mass Index (BMI).
What Do Blue Veins Mean?
Visible blue veins do not mean much, as they are fairly common. Blue veins are normal and healthy, but may become more visible over time due to factors such as BMI, age, and many other factors.
Should You Worry About Visible Blue Veins?
For many, blue varicose veins are simply a cosmetic issue and not a reason for concern. There are situations, though, when blue veins can signal a serious medical concern.
Any time veins are raised, bulging or causing discomfort, it’s a sign that your circulatory system is not functioning properly. When your veins are compromised, they will struggle to return deoxygenated blood back to the heart, which can put you at risk for health problems like vein disease.
Vein disease, or venous insufficiency, can cause blood to pool in your legs and ankles and create swelling. Because of the pressure, this condition is often painful and can cause achiness, cramps and restlessness. Along with discomfort, vein disease can also cause discoloration and lead to hardened skin.
Painful blue varicose veins could also mean you are dealing with Superficial Venous Thrombosis or Phlebitis, which is a blood clot near the skin’s surface, or Deep Vein Thrombosis, which is a blood clot deeper inside the vein.
What Are The Treatment Options For Blue Veins
In the past, vein treatments, such as vein stripping, were more invasive, requiring patients to be treated under general anesthesia. Here at Central Florida Vein and Vascular Center, we specialize in minimally invasive care and treatments for patients of all ages.
Our team of board-certified, fellowship-trained vascular surgeons is dedicated to delivering high-level care and comfort — no matter what your needs are. When you stop by our office, you’ll have a clear understanding of your venous care options. You can always count on our team to start with minimally invasive care and treatments ranging from compression stockings to topical laser therapy.
If you decide a minimally invasive vein procedure is right for you, we can provide treatment right in our office, and you can expect to return to light-duty work immediately afterward.
Learn About Your Minimally Invasive Vein Procedure Options
If you’ve been dealing with painful blue veins on your legs, chest or another part of your body, our physicians are here to help determine their cause and recommend the best treatment option for your specific needs. Because many of our treatments are covered by insurance, taking care of your vein health has never been easier or more affordable.
To learn more about the minimally invasive vein treatments we can provide at Central Florida Vein and Vascular Center, schedule a consultation with us today.
