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What Causes Bulging Veins In The Calf Area?
Question: I have bulging veins in one calf and also numbness there. What could this mean?
Brief Answer:
As explained below.
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query, albeit short and specific.
Noted the history and understood your concerns.
Bulging veins in calf area is most probably Varicose veins and the cause of numbness may be stretched nerves over it if the area is localized.
Or nerve pinching if the area of numbness is large.
Please get the venous color doppler studies of the whole affected lower limb and clinical evaluation for the numbness.
Please give additional information for me to assist you better:
Since when are both the problems present?
Is numbness over a small circumscribed are - any skin color changes?
Or over a large area? Please give details?
I hope this answer helps you, please feel free to ask for further relevant queries if you feel that there is a gap of communication.
As explained below.
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query, albeit short and specific.
Noted the history and understood your concerns.
Bulging veins in calf area is most probably Varicose veins and the cause of numbness may be stretched nerves over it if the area is localized.
Or nerve pinching if the area of numbness is large.
Please get the venous color doppler studies of the whole affected lower limb and clinical evaluation for the numbness.
Please give additional information for me to assist you better:
Since when are both the problems present?
Is numbness over a small circumscribed are - any skin color changes?
Or over a large area? Please give details?
I hope this answer helps you, please feel free to ask for further relevant queries if you feel that there is a gap of communication.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
In answer to your first question, the large veins have been there for several years.
The numbness covers the right side of the calf. The leg affected is the right leg.
I have recently lost over fifty pounds due to another medical condition (severe gall bladder episode and subsequent removal) and a diagnosis of gastroparesis, which has limited my diet. About seven months ago, after losing a lot of muscle tone and energy, I began an exercise program that includes a great dealing of walking and lifting five pound hand weights.
I have never had any pain or aching and the numbness has never impacted my ability to exercise, although the muscle definition in my left calf is more pronounced than that of my right. The right thigh is completely unaffected and I have no swelling in my legs or ankles on either side. Thank you for your prompt response.
The numbness covers the right side of the calf. The leg affected is the right leg.
I have recently lost over fifty pounds due to another medical condition (severe gall bladder episode and subsequent removal) and a diagnosis of gastroparesis, which has limited my diet. About seven months ago, after losing a lot of muscle tone and energy, I began an exercise program that includes a great dealing of walking and lifting five pound hand weights.
I have never had any pain or aching and the numbness has never impacted my ability to exercise, although the muscle definition in my left calf is more pronounced than that of my right. The right thigh is completely unaffected and I have no swelling in my legs or ankles on either side. Thank you for your prompt response.
Brief Answer:
As detailed.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your feedback.
Good to know that you have adopted the exercise program as explained.
IF the muscle definition of left calf is more pronounced than the right, that is affected and also have numbness there is a possibility of some spinal problem, albeit a small one and affecting only the right side of the calf.
Clinical evaluation and examination can guide whether you need an MRI of the lower spine or not.
Color doppler as explained above can help to know whether there are incompetent venous valves that has caused bulging/varicose veins and guide for further management if required.
Please tell me your height and weight to see for the BMI.
Loosing weight can make veins more prominent.
As detailed.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your feedback.
Good to know that you have adopted the exercise program as explained.
IF the muscle definition of left calf is more pronounced than the right, that is affected and also have numbness there is a possibility of some spinal problem, albeit a small one and affecting only the right side of the calf.
Clinical evaluation and examination can guide whether you need an MRI of the lower spine or not.
Color doppler as explained above can help to know whether there are incompetent venous valves that has caused bulging/varicose veins and guide for further management if required.
Please tell me your height and weight to see for the BMI.
Loosing weight can make veins more prominent.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks again for your prompt response. I am 5'5" and weigh 134 lbs. what kind of a doctor should I start with? By the way, I had high blood pressure for 13 years, but two months ago it was low enough that I am now off bp meds entirely.
Brief Answer:
General Surgeon or Vascular Surgeon
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your feedback.
Your BMI is 22.3 that is under the category of normal weight, hence not to worry about the weight.
Good to know that you are off BP medications.
consult a General Surgeon or a Vascular Surgeon
General Surgeon or Vascular Surgeon
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your feedback.
Your BMI is 22.3 that is under the category of normal weight, hence not to worry about the weight.
Good to know that you are off BP medications.
consult a General Surgeon or a Vascular Surgeon
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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