Noticed Purple Lines on Your Legs? They May Be Telling You Something

Simple habits may help support healthy circulation and reduce discomfort associated with varicose veins.

Try to:

• Walk and move your legs regularly.
• Avoid staying in one position for very long periods.
• Elevate your legs when resting if they feel swollen or heavy.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Ask a healthcare professional whether compression stockings are appropriate for you if you have symptoms.

The bottom line

Seeing purple veins on your legs doesn't automatically mean something is seriously wrong.

They may be spider veins or varicose veins, both of which are common. But if the appearance is new, rapidly changing, or accompanied by pain, swelling, warmth or skin changes, it's better not to ignore it.

Your legs can sometimes give you clues about what's happening beneath the skin—so knowing what is normal for you can make it easier to recognize when something has changed.