Not all popping veins are bad news. For many people—especially athletes or anyone with low body fat—
prominent veins on the hands, arms, or legs just reflect strong circulation, thin skin, and aging. If they’ve been there forever and don’t hurt, they’re usually harmless.
What deserves a closer look are veins that seem to show up out of nowhere, look bulgy or twisted, or come with new symptoms.
That can point to problems in the valves that help push blood back to the heart. When those valves weaken
(a condition called chronic venous insufficiency), blood pools in the legs and veins stretch. Over time that can cause swelling, aching, skin changes, or even sores that don’t heal well.