Our skin thins as we age, which can cause veins to bulge above the skin’s surface. Some people wish to remove these veins for purely cosmetic reasons. However, bulging veins that hurt could be a sign of something more serious.
Primary Reasons for Visible Veins
While bulging veins are a standard sign of aging, a few other factors can cause visible veins, including:
- The loss of body fat: Fat serves as a protective layer under the skin. When it is removed, veins will show more.
- Exercise: Blood pressure increases during exercise, pushing veins closer to the skin. Repeatedly lifting weights can have the same effect.
- Heat: The heat from the environment and internal body temperature can cause veins to dilate. When this happens, the abnormal expansion can cause mild soreness and aching.
Concerns With Sore Hand Veins
Veins that hurt are not always dangerous. As mentioned above, excessive heat can cause your hands to ache, but not severely. When sore hand veins begin to throb or swell, reach out to a doctor. These could be signs of the following conditions:
- Varicose veins: While they are most common in the legs, varicose veins can also occur in the hands and arms. This condition is characterized by veins that have trouble fighting gravity to return blood to the heart. Varicose veins can cause significant discomfort as blood pools in the vessels.
- Superficial thrombophlebitis: This condition occurs when a vein near the surface of the skin becomes inflamed. Inflammation can cause irritation, though it is not always dangerous. In some cases, it can indicate an infection, autoimmune disorder or blood clot.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): Like varicose veins, DVT occurs mainly in the legs but has been reported in the hands and arms. This condition occurs when a blood clot forms deep within the arm, preventing blood from returning to the heart.
- Autoimmune diseases: Certain diseases can cause swelling in the hands and arms, especially those affecting small veins and arteries, such as Buerger’s Disease.
Contact United Vein & Vascular Centers for vein Treatment
Are you experiencing painful veins? At United Vein & Vascular Centers, we offer a series of vein treatments — such as visual sclerotherapy — to help ease any discomfort. Contact us today to learn more and schedule a consultation.
